Traders say business has slumped by as much as a third since new Parking restrictions were introduced.

Shop owners in and around St James's Street in Brighton say their businesses are being crippled by new parking charges and restrictions that are driving away customers.

In April, Brighton and Hove City Council increased permit parking for residents, put down more double-yellow lines to stop congestion and increased the minimum parking charge to £1.50.

The measures were part of a plan intended to help ease parking in the roads surrounding St James's Street.

But traders say if the new system continues, some companies may be forced to close.

Harry Marks, 62, of Harry Marks hairdressing salon in High Street, off St James's Street, said: "We are getting devastated by it.

"The pay-and-display bays are full from about 8.30am so there is absolutely nowhere for customers to park.

"We've had people ringing to cancel appointments because they can't get parked.

"One colleague has left and we have not replaced her because there simply isn't enough trade.

"We are 30 per cent down. It's a major problem.

"I've been here 42 years and this is the most worried I've been."

He said if business did not improve he would consider closing the salon.

Ian Parsons, who runs Planted florist in St James's Street, said: "We have lost at least 30 per cent in takings, which is one hell of a drop.

"We do get people walking past but we sell lots of exotic plants that are too big to take away in a carrier bag.

"Parking near us is almost impossible."

Mike Dalley, Tube Station Tanning owner, said he had lost 250 clients since the new parking restrictions were introduced.

He said: "A lot of my clients like to zoom in, have a quick sun bed and zoom out again but now they are struggling to park and the charges have doubled the cost for them."

Martin Burtenshaw, who has run Haircraft hairdressers in St James's Street for 23 years, said: "Trade is visibly down.

"You always have ups and downs in business but this is the most serious threat I've known.

"If we continue to lose customers and staff we will have to pull the plug."

Traders say they want a return to voucher and meter parking and bays where parking is free for the first 20 minutes to help encourage shoppers back into the street.

A city council spokes-woman said: "The parkingregulations around St James's Street are part of the new Queen's Park area residents' scheme.

"As a new scheme it is subject to review so businesses in the area will be able to make suggestions for amending the scheme as part of that review, probably in April next year.

"All new schemes are subject to amendment to reflect the views of residents and businesses.

"In addition, at the request of the traders, the new scheme does not operate on a Sunday."

Wednesday, September 21, 2005