Tories calls for ‘simpler’ pricing policy on car parks

Sunderland’sConservativeparty has called for a “simpler” parkingpolicyafteritwasannounced thatfaresatsomecouncil-owned car parks are set to rise.

The party wants a “more attractive parking pricing policy” with more incentives for shoppers to use the sites.

Coun Peter Wood, the party’s spokesman for transport, said: “In announcing a 10p increase in car parking charges in the city, the council has missed another opportunity of going for a simpler – and more attractive – pricing structure which would both attract more people to the city and bring more money into the council’s coffers.

“The motorist wanting to park in Sunderland is faced with a multitude of different prices in different car parks. In some you pay even on a Sunday and Bank Holiday and at night; in others you don’t.

“What is needed is a simple, straightforward approach which applies across the city. The only time this is currently achievedisafter3pmonThursdays when it is free across the board. This is the approach on which we should build.

“Itisapitythecouncilcontinuestoignoreaveryusefulsurvey sponsored last year by the city’s Civic Society which showed offstreetcarparkswereunderused evenatweekendsandsuggested a different pricing policy.

“In addition to being free after 3pm on Thursdays it should also be free across the board on Sundays, Bank Holidays and after 6pm.

“During the rest of the week simple amounts of 50p (or £1) an hour could, say, apply for short-term on-street parking.

“In car parks the first hour might be free with £1 per hour thereafter and a maximum of £2 or £3 for a full day.”