Traders appear to have got their way over free parking despite confusion from the council about delaying the u-turn.

Councillors from Merton’s three opposition parties agreed in March to overturn the Labour-run administration’s decision in 2011 to reduce free parking in Wimbledon Village and Park from 20 minutes to 10 minutes.

But at meeting a Merton Council last week, it emerged the policy reversal could not be done until October because the council must wait until after the Olympics.

Deputy leader of the council, Mark Betteridge, said: ”This means giving people an opportunity to make any representations before the changes are made.

“Also, the London Olympic Organising Committee (Locog) is not allowing any additional street works in the Wimbledon Village area from 1 March until September.”

This prompted outrage from Wimbledon Park ward councillor Oonagh Moulton, who said: “The hypocrisy of Labour is unbelievable.

"They did not consult properly prior to their initial decision to reduce free parking in our Arthur Road shop parade.

“They have ignored the petitions and letters of residents, businesses and local councillors in their pleas to stop this damaging decision.

"Now, given the opportunity to reverse it, they have kicked it into touch.”

After this was queried by the Wimbledon Guardian, the council then said it would take a “common sense” approach and has now agreed to re-introduce 20 minutes free parking right away.

Coun Betteridge said: “The council has a statutory duty to consult locally about the reinstatement of 20-minute free parking in Wimbledon Village, as well as liaising with Locog.

“However, in the meantime, we are happy to take a commonsense approach and reinstate 20-minute free parking with immediate effect, until this consultation process is complete.”

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