Mays Lane parking charges cut to one hour after trader petition

Barnet Council has scaled back parking charges on Mays Lane, Chipping Barnet, to a single hour between 2pm and 3pm. The decision follows a campaign by local traders and residents, who argued that all-day fees introduced last year were driving away customers and threatening businesses.

The new restrictions apply from 3 August 2026 until 3 February 2027, described by the council as an experimental period. Residents and traders have until 3 January 2027 to submit comments on the changes, as reported by The Barnet Society.

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Traders welcome reduction but remain cautious

Shopkeepers on Mays Lane said the reduction was a step forward but expressed concerns about the trial’s limited duration. Sarah Burley, an assistant at Mays Pets, told The Barnet Society the traders were pleased the council had recognised the impact of all-day charges on passing trade.

Burley added that while the one-hour charge aligned with the surrounding Chipping Barnet (D) controlled parking zone, the traders still worried about shoppers being deterred by the risk of penalty notices. The council’s notice states the trial will allow time to assess the amended controls and consider feedback.

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“We can see how applying a parking charge between 2pm and 3pm does fit in with the CPZ for the surrounding area. Getting the council to back down is all due to the work of Gina and Jon who we cannot thank enough.”

Mohinder Dhingra, proprietor of Coopers of Barnet

Mohinder Dhingra, owner of Coopers of Barnet, said he was “very pleased” the council had reversed its decision. Dhingra had previously described the all-day charges as devastating for trade, as reported by The Barnet Society.

Campaign led by residents’ groups

The push to remove the charges was led by Gina Theodorou, chair of the Quinta Village Green Residents Association, and Jon Wolfson, lead organiser of the Underhill Residents Group. Their petition gathered over 1,300 signatures, which they presented to the council.

Barnet Council is also reviewing protests against a new controlled parking zone in Underhill South. Councillor Alan Schneiderman, the cabinet member responsible for parking, told The Barnet Society the council was analysing data from a consultation and expected to make a decision by the end of December 2026.

How residents can respond

Residents and traders can submit comments on the Mays Lane parking changes until 3 January 2027. The council’s consultation page for the Chipping Barnet (D) controlled parking zone provides details on how to respond.