Croydon Council has vehemently defended its decision to ban High Street parking 24 hours a day.

Double yellow lines will be introduced along large sections of the High Street and South End.

This has prompted fears of a slump in trade from bar and restaurant managers in the town.

But chairman of the traffic management sub-committee Councillor Paula Shaw said: "This is another step by the council to encourage a shift from the use of the car for personal travel to public transport, walking and cycling.

"It also reinforces our transport management measures to reduce accidents, congestion, pollution and car dependency.

"By giving greater priority to the needs of buses and pedestrians, I hope we can persuade more people to think twice before jumping into their cars and driving to Croydon - even at night.

"Enabling buses to move round more easily and quickly will make them more attractive to passengers."

The 24-hour parking restrictions will come into force later this year.

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