By John Chisengalumbwe
A businessman on Holloway road is leaving his Minimart off-license because of parking problems.
Aliki Kapti, who has been running his business for 14 years, said, “I am closing my business for various reasons and one of the reasons that has led to closing my business is parking which has affected me running my business.
“Delivery drivers have ended up with parking fines when they have had to off-load deliveries.”
The London Borough of Islington is the most crowded area in London with a population density of at least 14,000 people per square km and it’s also a very busy business area which means parking is essential for businesses in the borough.
Mr Kapti said, “I also struggle to find parking for my mini-van, which I use for small deliveries. As you can see outside everywhere in this area it’s a double yellow line. This is my last week and I hope the new proprietor finds an alternative for parking because it’s a headache.”
Parking for disabled drivers is also an issue in Islington.
People who hold a blue badge have privileges when it comes to parking, meaning they are able to park in a time-limited space for a longer time or can park at a meter without payment.
Disabled pensioner Gary Shinick said: “Parking in this area is a nightmare. I can’t find parking in the borough even at non-disabled parking areas.
“Every time I come on Holloway Road I just come to park my car in the Morrison car park and then I go about my shopping.
“As you can see I need a stick to support myself and if parking was good I would not need to come and park here and then walk another 20 minutes.”
Islington resident and car driver Ann Kojo moved to the borough 40 years ago from Ghana.
She said: “Transportation is good in Islington, but parking issues make it particularly difficult for older people to get around and parking meters don’t sometimes accept coins.
“I never drive my car because there is just no point. It’s either the parking space is taken or there is a no parking sign and at times I need my car for errands within the borough like shopping with my little kids.”
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