‘How to chase people away’ – readers react to rate rise

Echo readers have been providing their reaction on our Facebook page to the news that car parking rates are set to increase at some venues in Sunderland.

Various car parks will see their rates increase by 10p per hour, although many will stay the same.

Civic chiefs say the move is due to continued investment and improvement in the city’s parking facilities.

David Wilkinson wrote: “Get yourselves out of town better shops and free parking.”

Sheila Treglown wrote: “Feel sorry for the businesses, people prefer to shop where car parking is free.”

Benjamin Taylor added: “Metrocentre has free parking, and with it all of Sunderland’s shoppers.”

Mic Morrison wrote: “Make the shops pay for car parking sites, then see how many quality shops open in city centre.”

David Chiffy Punshon added: “Sorry Hudson Road is full every day from people not wanting to pay parking charges I counted 66 cars the other day.”

John Matters wrote: “How to chase people away.”

Brian Fearn added: “There’s another reason not to visit the town centre.”

Robert White wrote: “Car park costs should reflect the quality of the shops you would be using, 10p an hour seems about where the council should be charging.”

And Jean Wright added: “The town centre will close altogether if they are not careful.”