Members of Shrewsbury Town Council are calling for a dramatic re-think of plans by Shropshire Council to implement new car parking proposals, fearing that if they are introduced, the economic viability of the town will suffer.
Shropshire Council is undertaking a county-wide consultation on developing a car parking strategy and pricing schedule affecting all of the car parks it owns and maintains.
The Council wishes to implement a number of initiatives across the county including:
- Developing a linear hourly charging method;
- Banding car parks and setting 7 different rates for hourly parking;
- Opening Ravens Meadow car park to 24 hours a day;
- Standardising season ticket and residential permit criteria;
- Charging for coach and HGV parking.
At a meeting of the Town Council’s Finance & General Purposes Committee, members discussed the wide-ranging proposals to the consultation, which closes on October 17.
Members were supportive of a number of initiatives, which would see some car parks open for longer and would make applying for tickets and permits easier.
Of greatest concern was the proposed increases in charges to both on-street parking and the town centre car parks. Whilst the hourly rates in the main commuter car parks at Frankwell and Abbey Foregate are slightly reduced, it means that those currently parking for 10 hours for as little as £1.80 could face daily rates upwards of £20.00.
The proposals would also see the implementation of a £10 coach-parking fee at Frankwell car park, which is currently free.
Councillor Alan Mosley, Leader of the Town Council, expressed his grave concern about such plans, which will not only affect the business community but also neighbouring residential areas which are likely to suffer greatly increased parking whilst commuters walk into town, exacerbating an already existing problem.
He said: “It is alarming that Shropshire Council should seek to impose these inflation-busting rises on residents and visitors to the county town. With the current economic climate, we could well see a steep decline in visitor numbers and therefore the vitality and vibrancy of Shrewsbury both during the day and also for the growing night-time economy.
“I would urge everyone to take part in this consultation and make their views known to Shropshire Council before the deadline closes on October 17.”
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