Traders at one of England's oldest markets have launched a desperate campaign for change, claiming that aggressive parking enforcement is crippling their businesses. Shop owners and stallholders on Croydon's Surrey Street say customers are being scared away by the constant threat of a £60 penalty, leading to a dramatic drop in footfall and revenue.
The High Cost of a Quick Shop
From behind the counter at Fresh N Fruity, Osman Mohammed has taken on an unofficial role as a parking warden lookout for his customers. A new partition now blocks his view of Frith Road, a popular parking spot, leaving shoppers vulnerable. "When I'm working now, customers say 'Can you hurry up? I don't want to get a ticket'," he explained. He told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that frustrated customers who receive a fine often blame the businesses, saying their purchases have ended up costing them extra.
The sentiment is echoed just a few doors down at the Save and Smile hardware shop. Owner Dwarknath Sharma recounted a recent incident where a customer faced a penalty three times the value of her shopping. "Customers come and buy £20 worth of products, but then get a £60 ticket. I saw it happen to a woman recently, she was not happy," he said.
A Petition for Survival
In response to the crisis, long-time market trader and Chairman of the Croydon Business Association, Jose Joseph, has started a petition. He is calling on Croydon Council to introduce 30 minutes of free parking in bays around the town centre. He claims the move, which has been successful in other boroughs, is essential for the survival of many businesses.
During a visit to the market, Jose highlighted the stark reality. "It is very quiet at the moment; it should be busier at this time of year," he observed. He estimates he sees six or seven people being ticketed daily, including traders themselves. He argues that removing this financial barrier would bring customers back, especially those making larger purchases who now avoid the area.
Mohammed Shafiq of Mr Meat said the council's approach is directly contradictory. "The same council that is charging us tax are sending officers to take away our business," he stated. He has noticed a significant shift in clientele, with big-spending customers who buy in bulk being replaced by those making smaller, sub-£10 purchases.
Council Response and Future Vision
Despite the market soon benefiting from £814,000 of Greater London Authority funding, traders fear it will be too late for some. Jose Joseph, who started his business with just £500, warns that daily revenue losses mean some shops may not survive without swift action.
When questioned about whether local roads could handle the proposed free parking, Jose insisted surrounding streets could cope, particularly on weekdays. The petition has so far received unanimous support from the business owners and shoppers he has spoken to, but he says he is yet to receive a response from Croydon Mayor Jason Perry.
A spokesperson for Croydon Council acknowledged the market's vital role in the town's regeneration. They pointed to the upcoming 'A Vision for Surrey Street' plan, developed with community input, which aims to protect and grow the historic market. However, they firmly rejected the call for free parking. "Parking in the central area is limited and for that reason we cannot permit 30 minutes free parking, like we do in other parts of the borough," the spokesperson said, instead highlighting the area's "great public transport of trams, trains and buses."
The council stated it will continue to engage with the community but has drawn a clear line on the parking issue, leaving traders in a tense standoff as they fight for their future.
