Transport for London (TfL) and the congestion charge came under fire at the London Assembly’s public meeting entitled ‘What is the future for markets in London?’ at Toynbee Hall, east London, on October 16.

Traders and members of the public congregated to put questions to a panel of speakers from the London Assembly, TfL, the London Development Agency (LDA) and Barking and Dagenham Council at the meeting.

With a focus on street markets, Old Spitalfield Market, Petticoat Lane Market, Whitechapel Market and Deptford Market were the main street markets in the spotlight, as the London Assembly, which holds the Mayor to account and investigates issues that matter to Londoners, and traders voiced concerns for the future.

The main issue that materialised from the gathering was the lack of space available, specifically Petticoat Lane Market, for loading and parking. The London Assembly asked Malcolm Murray-Clark, managing director of planning at TfL, what TfL was doing about the situation. Murray-Clark talked of changing the system, but traders still seemed disgruntled. “It is an issue for both the borough councils and the TfL,” said Murray-Clark. “It is difficult to make these things work, but we have had some progress in Westminster, where traders can unload and go somewhere their vehicles are secure. Long-term parking places in London are difficult to track down in London and it comes down to a local government decision.”

A representative from Petticoat Lane Market was not impressed and said that her workplace is desolate thanks to TfL, and along with the congestion charge, is destroying London market trader’s livelihoods.

Dee Doocey, assembly member and chair of the meeting, told the room that the London Assembly sees markets as a crucial part of the community and life in London, and that it is determined to influence change.

“I certainly do think that it is our responsibility to advocate street markets. We haven’t made the most of them,” said Murad Qureshi of the London Assembly.

The London Assembly’s report on the future of markets, which will include the findings of the meeting, will be published next year.

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