Traders angry at plan to increase car park charges
BUSINESS bosses have blasted plans for a car parking fee rise in Stockport.
The cost of car parking in the town could be set to go up under proposals put forward by council chiefs.
They say the ‘primary objective’ is to increase parking revenues by £500,000, but concerns have been raised over the impact it will have on businesses.
The Federation for Small Businesses (FSB) has branded the scheme ‘bad news’ and says it will result in fewer people visiting their local shops, relying instead on outof-town shopping centres where the parking is free.
A draft business case published by the council proposes five options:
Getting rid of the one-hour tariff band, so the minimum cost of parking is £1.60 for two hours
Increasing the charging period at town centre car parks by two hours, so people will have to pay to park between 6am and 6pm as opposed to 8am and 6pm
Increase charges at the cheaper car parks, such as Churchgate and Hopes Carr, to bring them to the same level as those that cost more
Increase the two-hour rate in district centre car parks from 40p to 50p and get rid of the one-hour option
Put charges in place at car parks close to train stations, such as Heald Green, Bramhall and Marple Bridge, which are currently free.
The report notes that, following a consultation ‘generally most comments were opposed to changes in tariffs,’ and raised concerns about the impact on traders and a rise in the number of people parking on residential streets.
Council officers will now meet with those who have voiced concerns and discuss alternatives before any changes are implemented. Simon Edmonson, FSB regional chairman for Manchester and north Cheshire, said: “This is about the council leveraging more cash from motorists to balance their books, with casual disregard for the consequences. If the council wants people to stay longer I urge them to consider the ‘first three for free’ model, which has been used successfully in Rochdale for years where it’s introduction has increased footfall significantly to the main town centre.”
Coun Sheila Bailey, cabinet member for communities and housing, said all options were being considered and ‘no final decision’ on how to increase the income from car parking has yet been made.