MORE than a dozen streets in Plaistow could be hit with tough new parking restrictions, under plans being considered by highways chiefs.

Newham Council is consulting over plans to bring 18 roads within the existing Prince Regent controlled parking zone.

If the extension gets the go-ahead, permits will be required to park in the affected streets between 8am and 10pm, Monday to Friday.

The proposals have sparked concern from residents and businesses, who fear the restrictions will lead to a drop in trade.

Maria Marucci runs Cosy Cafe in Chadwin Road, which is one of the streets where consultation is taking place.

Residents there, along with those living in 11 other nearby roads, rejected similar proposals in March last year after she organised a petition signed by hundreds of customers and neighbours.

Ms Marruci has since spent around �50,000 adding an extension to her premises and fears any restrictions could force her to shut up shop.

She said: “There are areas where parking restrictions are actually needed, but this is not one of them.

“The council just want to get the whole area done - it’s all about profit.”

Also among the streets where consultation is taking place is Upperton Road West.

Builder Colin Fowler, 47, who has lived there for around 20 years, said: “I have not noticed a parking problem.

“Match days are always very busy for a few hours but I feel that this is the council’s way to raise revenue from the hard working people of the area.

“I know traders in the Greengate area who have lost business, and people who live in the affected streets are complaining people don’t turn up to visit them.”

A council spokeswoman said the changes were part of a six-monthly review, which could also mean changes for the zones’ parking bays and operational hours.

She added: “The council is now consulting on the proposal to include 18 roads into parking schemes.

“If there is majority support from the surrounding roads, then the council must consider this and make a decision based on this as to whether roads should form part of a parking scheme.”