'Parking restrictions have turned trade tap off'

Parking restrictions in a West Sussex village are "having an effect on the high street" and driving people away from local businesses, residents claim.

Changes to parking in Jengers Mead, Billingshurst, which removed free parking after 18:30 GMT mean drivers have received £100 fines, reduced to £60 after 30 days.

Tom Hartley, who owns the Master Fryer fish and chip shop, said the restrictions had been "like a tap has been turned off" on trade.

A spokesperson for operator Napier said it had "no sympathy" for motorists who park without paying.

Hartley said: "It has been such an uphill fight educating people and making sure they don't get caught out.

"It's really hard trying to run a business and we are also trying to fight against public opinion of the parking situation."

Parking rules outside shops in Jengers Mead changed in November, meaning charges are now enforced 24 hours a day.

Resident Carol Furneaux-Porter said: "I parked in a disabled bay here last week because I have a blue badge, but one machine wasn't working and the other didn't accept coins.

"A week later I got a £60 fine for parking for six minutes.

"All of the traders have lost some of their trade because of it."

Kelly Upton, who was also fined, added: "It's definitely having an effect on the high street."

A Napier spokesperson said it had "no choice" over introducing 24-hour tariffs "given the significant rise in operating costs", including changes to the minimum wage and National Insurance contributions.

"The requirement is straightforward: drivers who choose to use the facility must simply park and make payment using one of the available methods," it added.

A neighbouring Horsham District Council car park in Jengers Mead remains free after 18:00 from Monday to Saturday, and all day on Sundays.

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