MORE than 4,000 people have signed a petition, backed by MP James Clappison, to keep parking free in Potters Bar.

The campaign was handed to Hertsmere Borough Council by ringleader Joy Prince on Friday, following plans which will see on-street parking cost 20p for up to an hour after the first 30 minutes in Darkes Lane and High Street.

Alongside the signatures of 4,000 residents, there was also backing from 100 businesses, something Joy, who owns Lee Joy school uniform shop, hopes will be enough to sway the council.

The High Street business-woman said: “We’re very happy with the turnout, obviously the feeling around here must be very strong.

“The thing is this issue is so important, because if the parking charges forces shops to close it will only make the place look less desirable, which will, in turn, bring down the value of people’s houses.”

She added: “We’ve had a meeting with councillors, which we hope will be positive. They said they would go away and have a think.”

In a letter to Ms Prince, Hertsmere MP James Clappison said he “fully appreciated the concerns” and would be contacting the council to look into the matter.

The parking scheme was originally approved in February by the council, which blamed the hikes on the need to make �2m savings this financial year.

The proposed rules are the first to be implemented in Hertsmere for several years and would also include changes to council-run car parks, residents having to pay �15-per-year for permits and annual visitor parking permits going up from �20 to �30.

If given the final seal of approval, the scheme will be implemented throughout the year.