More than 2,500 people have signed a petition urging Ealing Council to reconsider new parking restrictions on Pitshanger Lane, as traders report falling footfall and revenue since the scheme was introduced.
Local businesses say the changes have impacted their businesses, with some reporting fewer customers and shorter visits since the restrictions came into force.
During a 2025 consultation on the proposals, Ealing Council’s own findings showed 82% of respondents opposed the scheme, with 73% warning of a negative impact on local businesses.
The Pitshanger Community Association (PCA) said 2,537 people have now backed its petition against the “stop and shop” parking changes. The group had hoped to present it at a council meeting but said there was no suitable opportunity before the local elections on 7 May 2026.
The restrictions, introduced late last year as part of the borough-wide Stop & Shop+ scheme, require drivers to register for up to 30 minutes of free parking before paying for longer stays. Campaigners argue the system has made short visits more difficult and risks deterring customers.
In its latest update, the PCA said it believed the consultation process was “flawed” and that the results had been disregarded, adding that in other cases where a strong majority objected, proposals had been amended or withdrawn.
Paul Dzido, owner of Hook & Cleaver, said: “Trying to run a family business on a high street in recent years has been extremely tough… we’ve seen a huge increase in overheads… the list goes on.”
He added: “Instead of supporting the backbone of the British economy… Ealing Council seem determined to add even more nails into the coffin by introducing the unnecessary hassle of parking restrictions.”
Natalie Busby, of Busby’s, said the time limits were restricting visits: “Due to the two-hour parking limit, our economic activity is being significantly restricted… some clients are discouraged from visiting, leading to a direct negative effect on our business.”
A spokesperson for Tranquillity said bookings had fallen by 8.6% in the first four weeks of the scheme, adding that staffing could be reduced if the trend continued.
Gary, of Charlie’s Fruit Bowl, said footfall had dropped, particularly among customers from outside the area: “We’ve noticed a decline in footfall… our Christmas tree sales… were down by 15% on previous years.”
Nico, of Pitshanger Bakery said: “Many of them have stopped coming… customers complain about the new parking scheme… saying it turns the whole shopping trip into a stressful half hour.”
Belinda Harrison, of Harrison’s Delicatessen said: “Many are confused as to how it works, angry that they are paying 20p for 30 minutes ‘free parking’… My footfall has definitely reduced… showing around a 10% decrease in customers per day.”
Dean Horridge, of Pitshanger Health & Fitness said: “We have many elderly members… these restrictions are stopping them from attending… we have seen many cancel their memberships.”
Dean and Gavin, owners of Pooches of Pitshanger, added: “We started a new business… and were not aware these new restrictions were coming into effect… [this] has subsequently damaged our ability to gain local customers.”
In a statement to EALING.NEWS, an Ealing Council spokesperson said: “We recognise how important Pitshanger Lane is to the local community and to the independent businesses that help make the area unique. Our aim is always to support thriving local high streets while ensuring parking arrangements are fair, consistent and accessible for everyone.
“The recent changes to short stay parking form part of the borough wide stop and shop+ scheme, which provides 30 minutes of free parking, with payment only required if people choose to stay longer. The intention is to ensure regular turnover of spaces so genuine shoppers can find somewhere to park, while preventing long stay parking that can reduce availability for others.
“We carefully considered the consultation responses alongside wider borough objectives and evidence from other locations where the scheme has been introduced. While we acknowledge there were objections, consultation is one part of the decision making process and does not operate as a referendum. Decisions must balance the needs of businesses, residents, and visitors, as well as deliver consistency across the borough.
“Since mandatory registration was introduced, six months of comparable data shows a significant increase in short stay use and enforceability. Registered parking sessions rose from around 33,000 to over 214,000 compared with the same period before implementation, indicating far greater turnover of bays, and on Pitshanger Lane 10,300 parking sessions have taken place from October 2025 to April 2026. This reflects improved compliance and legitimate use beyond the free 30 minute period, which previously could not be measured reliably.
“At busier locations, including Pitshanger Lane, the changes have led to clearer use of bays for short visits, improved ability to tackle misuse, and reduced long stay occupation that can block access for shoppers.
“Our priority remains keeping Pitshanger Lane accessible, safe and attractive for residents, visitors and businesses. We will continue to monitor the impact of the scheme closely and work with the local community to address any issues as they arise and ensure the arrangements operate as intended.”
