GRIDLOCK-causing traffic lights could be the nail in the coffin for struggling Greenwich businesses.

Small businesses struggling to stay afloat after being hit by customer-deterring Controlled Parking Zone (CPZ) schemes and rocketing rates could finally be sunk by pedestrian crossings.

Four sets of lighted crossings installed on April 30, in Trafalgar Road, Greenwich, have left traffic at a virtual standstill driving weary customers elsewhere, according to nearby businesses.

Handmade greeting card maker Jane Amoah is one of 15 artists and craftspeople who have studios at Talents, in Greenwich Market. She is leaving in September after 12 years, due to a 60 per cent drop in trade over the past two years.

She said: "The traffic lights are the final nail in the coffin. Increasing rents and decreasing trade mean we can't stay afloat."

Lynn Learning, joint owner of specialist teddy and dolls house shop Greenwich Collectibles and Bear Mad, in Nelson Road, Greenwich, says business is down 50 per cent.

She said: "Problems started a couple of years ago when the council introduced Controlled Parking Zones. The fact it now takes 20 minutes to get through Greenwich has made things worse."

The council has admitted there have been problems with the lights but say they will soon be sorted out.

Deputy leader of Greenwich Council Councillor Peter Brooks said: "There were traffic delays at first but the timings on the signals are being adjusted and the teething problems should soon be sorted."

However chairman of Greenwich Town Centre Traders' Association and owner of traditional games shop Compendia, in Greenwich Market, Rob Toogood says the real problem is traffic levels.

He said: "The answer is not resetting traffic lights. We now have great public transport in Greenwich people need to get out of their cars and use it."