Businesses on Haverstock Hill say they are losing customers due to a cycle lane outside their shopfronts.
Belsize Park businessowners told the Ham&High that the cycle lane installed by Camden Council this summer has reduced their incomes due to a lack of parking for potential customers.
Four shops on Haverstock Hill have closed since the start of the cycle scheme – HOB hair salon, Daniel Adams hair salon, Chesney’s fireplace specialist and a Starbucks branch.
Lucy Richard, who previously worked at Daniel Adams, said: “We couldn’t continue there with all of the rent rises in the area, and with all the parking that went. It’s been a massive problem.”
Many other businessowners are now also worried for what the future holds.
Raja Rehman, manager of Perkins Dry Cleaning in Haverstock Hill, said: “The cycle lane has been affecting us, our average sales are down by more than 30% since it started. We’re going to have to see after Christmas how we’re going. And maybe we’re going to have to think about closing down if things don’t change.”
Sally Norris, the manager at Frame Factory on Haverstock Hill, said: “It’s hard to tell how much of an impact it’s had. People complain about it and say they have nowhere to park. It has been quieter but whether that’s to do with the parking I don’t know.”
She added that it was now more dangerous for her delivery drivers to carry the sheets of glass used for framing to the shop, especially in wet or windy weather, as they have to park further away.
New businesses in the area also say they have faced issues.
Jorge Zamora, the assistant manager at Greenberry Hill restaurant, which opened less than two months ago, said: “We have had a few bookings that have had to cancel last minute because they couldn’t find a spot to park nearby.
“For us, we rely a lot on booking tables, so when you cannot give away a table for walk-ins but then a booked table cannot make it, it affects us at the end of the day.”
A Camden council spokesperson said: “The council welcome comments and feedback on all its schemes and have been contacting businesses and residents to let them know how they can provide their feedback on this trial scheme.
“It is important to note that within 500 metres of the trial scheme there are a total of 391 paid for parking bays available. This is a reduction of only 7% from before the trial scheme was installed. There are also still 78 paid for parking bays situated within a close proximity - 250m - to Haverstock Hill. The trial scheme has also introduced an additional 12 shared resident and paid for parking bays on adjacent side roads.
“The council will also be running a number of engagement activities with businesses and residents to highlight opportunities for further feedback alongside it’s on street communications.”
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