Shop owners who lost business when customers were banned from parking in a layby say their “prayers have been answered” now the restrictions have been lifted.
The stop along Faversham Road in Kennington was previously shared by buses and customers wanting to use Savers newsagents, Marino’s Fish Bar, Hall Hair and Ashford Dry Cleaners.
But in January 2022, thick yellow lines were painted on the road to prevent customers from parking and block bus access.
While the yellow lines remain, signs warning drivers not to park have been removed and shop owners have been told their customers can once again use the lay-by without fear of a parking ticket.
The changes took a heavy toll on lunch business at Marino’s and even led to Sunday closings.
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But now owner Ortha Karios says he’s noticed a resurgence in business and has been able to reopen seven days a week.
“We’ve already seen a difference in customers coming back,” he said.
“I want to thank my staff, friends and family, as well as all the customers who signed the petition and wrote to the authorities.
“We’ve still managed to stay open through it all, which shows our commitment to our business and our customers.
“I’m really grateful for everything. I feel like my prayers have been answered as I feel like there have been some really dark times worrying about my future.
“We want to make it known that the restrictions have been lifted.”
More than 3,000 people who use the shops have signed a petition to reinstate parking.
Bella Patel, owner of the newsagent, said: “The sign was put up overnight and taken down overnight.
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“Since then I have noticed more customers coming and going.
“We told customers that they could park there for a maximum of 30 minutes.
“We don’t want people parking longer because it spoils it for everyone else.
“If it wasn’t for the customers who signed the petition, we wouldn’t be here, so we’re pretty happy that it all paid off.”
Dan Hall, director of Hall Hair, says the removal of the restraints has been a big help for customers with reduced mobility and those who have been disabled for appointments.
“It’s helped massively, especially for customers with disabilities,” he said.
“They couldn’t go around the back because there are stairs.
“Before, we lost a lot of customers who turned up on the street because they couldn’t park. Now they can park, quickly walk in and get cut.”
Hall Hair customers who spend an extended period of time in the chair are still encouraged to park in the car park behind the shops which can be reached from Nettlefield.
Samer Al Masri, who took over Ashford Dry Cleaners four months ago, says he has noticed some customers are still too scared to park there.
He said: “I tell customers they can park there for 30 minutes but they say there are no signs so no one believes me.
“It’s a big problem for us. Sometimes customers only come to the dry cleaner for two or three minutes, they are very quick, but they are afraid to park there.’
Shop owners say they will continue to call for signs to be put up explaining the new rules.
KentOnline understands bus operator Stagecoach, which originally requested the changes for the shutdown, is behind the removal of the restrictions.
The company has been contacted for comment.