Kentish Gazette Canterbury & District
Parking fee hike backlash
Another hike in parking charges is the last thing beleaguered traders need, say business bosses.
Many are already struggling in the second lockdown, but the cash-strapped city council is proposing putting fees up by 70p and 30p an hour in the most popular car parks.
They say the revenue is needed to help prop up its budget, with an additional aim to drive more motorists to less-used car parks which will be marginally cheaper.
But the fear is it could deter shoppers who will go elsewhere, to centres like Bluewater and Westwood Cross, where there are no parking charges. Canterbury Business Improvement District chief executive Lisa Carlson says traders are already in “crisis mode”. She said: “Nobody wants to see these charges go up and this is the last thing they will want to hear. We do need a well-funded local authority so it has a difficult juggling act. But we will also want to see what mitigation can be put in place.” Among her areas of concern are for the businesses whose staff need to park in the city to get in an out easily to see clients, such as estate agents.
She says there needs to be measures in place, like an increase in park and ride hours and better transport infrastructure, as well as support for firms. The proposals also include cutting free parking for blue badge holders from three hours to two. Disabled driver Peggy Prior says it is a swipe at those who already struggle to get about. “You need the extra time to park up, get your chair out and get about the city with all the access problems,” she said. Council leader Cllr Ben Fitter-harding says extra cash has to be sourced as the authority’s finances are “in the middle of a perfect economic storm”. The council’s budget was due to be debated by the policy committee last night (Wednesday).