A TRADER fighting for 30 minutes free parking says he feels “ignored” by the people in charge of looking after the high street.

Krishna Pattani, who has owned Pristine Dry Cleaners, in Viceroy Parade, East Finchley, for 11 years, says the token gesture would help revive his trade.

When he opened up shop business was “fantastic” but he claims parking restrictions bought in by Barnet Council have caused trade to dip by 30 per cent.

The 57-year-old, who lives in Hillingdon, said: “The council should be looking at ways to enhance the high street. Everything needs to be adjusted.

“We have been ignored. That’s the treatment we are getting. We have no say and we are just being told to get on with it.

“It’s tiring – but we want our business to survive. However, we don’t want to pick fights.”

Last year, the Times Series campaigned for 30 minutes free parking to help boost the high street after traders said footfall had dwindled in recent years.

Parking meters in the borough are cash free, and motorists can only pay for parking using a mobile phone and a credit card.

Customers who risk running inside the dry cleaners without paying are usually given a hefty fine within minutes.

While Mr Pattani allows his customers to use a parking bay at the back of the shop, he says this is not enough.

He believes a pick-up point could bring back customers and help him and other traders on the road.

He added: “Even ten minutes free would help. It’s long winded paying by phone, especially just for five minutes.

“The wardens are always waiting around the corner to dish out a fine. You’re away for two minutes and a fine has been slapped on.

“Something needs to be done.”

Cllr Dean Cohen, who is responsible for parking at Barnet Council, has long-insisted that there is no correlation between free parking and thriving high streets.

But Conservative Mayoral candidate Zac Goldsmith and Labour candidate Sadiq Khan both told the Times Series they disagree with this and will work with the authority if elected.

Cllr Cohen said less than a fifth of journeys to town centres are made by car and shoppers who come by bicycle, public transport or on foot are more likely to spend money on high streets.

He added: “ Cllr Dean Cohen, Chairman of the Environment Committee, said: “There is very little evidence that borough-wide free parking would boost trade and yet it would cost the taxpayer over £3m per year.

“Neither campaigners nor opposition councillors have been able to say which services they would cut to pay for this.”

He added that £4.2million has been put into high streets since 2011.