Many spaces stand empty all day - yet there is nowhere for shoppers to stop.

Now the traders are demanding action before businesses close.

The push is headed by Naveen Ahmed and Lindsey Stafford of Parklane Properties and Simon Phillips of Nooshi, who are senior members of Head-On.

Behind their premises on Otley Road lies the Granby estate with its multiple residents-only parking schemes.

The three colleagues can step outside their back doors and see barely a car on these streets.

"The residents just don't need these restrictions between 9am and 6pm," said Mr Ahmed. "The council consulted us before they introduced the restrictions and we said they would ruin our businesses.

"Customers cannot find anywhere to park and instead drive on to Chapel Allerton or Roundhay. Motorists who take a risk are likely to get a £30 penalty ticket.

"I have spoken to the council leader, Andrew Carter, and he says the situation is being reviewed. But I know how long things can take. It may be a year and business could be bust by then.

"The simply solution is to restrict parking to two hours only on these streets."

Simon Phillips said: "It is easier for shoppers to drive on to Ilkley or Otley or Leeds city centre."

Mr Ahmed said that parking restrictions had been abolished altogether in one south coast resort - "it could be Eastbourne or Torquay" - and the town was now vibrant.

He said Headingley was still a very attractive location for retailers. "We have heard that Marks and Spencer and Pizza Express would like to move in here," he said, "but the lack of parking could drive them away."

Councillor Andrew Carter pledged there would be action soon. "We are not going to let the grass grow under our feet on this issue," he said.
"Streets are empty during the day and, of course, traders are naturally saying this is ridiculous.

"As part of the town and district traffic study, we are seeking to find ways of helping residents to park adjacent to their properties and also to create more short-stay parking for those who legitimately want to shop.

"I have told officers this must be completed very quickly and Headingley is our top priority.

"Two-hour parking is one way of dealing with the problem but it is premature to say what our remedy will be."