Traders hit out at rise in towns’ parking fees

CONCERNS INCREASE WILL PUT SHOPPERS OFF

TRADERS have hit out at an increase in car parking charges in Market Harborough and Lutterworth.

Chamber of trade bosses have criticised the rise in the price of parking in the towns.

Most charges have increased by 50p, with the minimum tariff in the Harborough District Council-run car parks now £1.50 for two hours’ parking.

Charges last went up four years ago and the authority blames increased financial pressures for the move, which was approved earlier this year.

There are fears it could impact town centre traders, many of whom are set to reopen later this month after weeks of enforced lockdown closures.

Caroline George, from the MH Chamber of Trade and Commerce, says the timing of the increase is not ideal, ahead of non-essential retail opening later this month.

“When it’s really vitally important that people are starting to go back into the towns and shops we think it could put people off,” she said. “We think people already feel nervous about going into the shops but I think then the idea of having to pay more to park, those couple of pounds could really make a difference.”

In Market Harborough, parking charges have risen from £1 to £1.50 to park for up to two hours, from £1.50 to £2 for up to three hours, from £2.50 to £3 for up to four hours, and from £6 to £7.50 for over four hours.

Long stay car parks have increased from the current fee of £2 for up to four hours to £2.50, and from £4 to £5 for over four hours.

Charges have increased in Lutterworth, from 60p to £1 for up to one hour, from £1 to £1.50 for up to two hours, from £1.50 to £2 for up to three hours, from £2.50 to £3 for up to four hours, and from £4 to £5 for over four hours.

Councillor Paul Dann, Harborough District Council’s cabinet lead for corporate and regulatory services, said: “We understand this is a challenging time and the increase to parking charges has not been taken lightly.

“We face increasing costs to provide the service and maintain our car parks across the district, and it is important that we provide good, clean and safe parking facilities to ensure a strong local economy that works for shoppers, businesses, and visitors.

“The impact of the coronavirus pandemic is deep and far-reaching, and whilst increasing charges is not something we would ideally want to do, it is necessary if we are to continue to provide the essential services that our council tax payers want.”

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