A PENSIONER is petitioning the council to sort out a pay and display problem.

Parking bays were put outside shops in Shortlands in August after traders complained they were losing business as shoppers had nowhere to park.

It was hoped this would stop commuters parking outside the shops and help them increase their profits.

But Ronald Smale says putting the bays in at the shops' end of Ravensbourne Avenue, Meadow Road, Station Road and Martin's Road has made life worse for residents.

The 77-year-old Ravensbourne Avenue resident says the problem has now moved up the road and made it difficult for him and other residents to get out of their drives.

He has more than 50 signatures on a petition which he has sent to his ward councillor, Chris Phillips.

Former banker and grandfather-of-six Mr Smale said: "I live just outside the parking zone area.

"We are suffering from people parking up here to avoid the charge at the other end.

"It looks like a permanent car park and I think Bromley Council has a duty to do something."

Mr Smale is not against the parking zone because he does not think people should be able to park for 10 hours a day without paying for it.

He thinks the council should increase the zone to include all of Ravensbourne Avenue or put in yellow lines or some kind of parking controls.

Portfolio holder for environment and leisure Councillor Colin Smith said: "Contrary to the usual mantra from some the bays were introduced to raise revenue, they were brought in to support businesses by making them more accessible to passing trade.

"We are continuing to monitor the effectiveness of the scheme and have already assured Mr Smale about this.

"Should refinements prove necessary, suitable adjustments will be made."