The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Parking charges are a ‘retrograde’ step, warn town retailers
Shop owners claim green shoots will be ‘nipped in the bud’
Forfar retailers have joined the campaign against parking charges in Angus and called for a council rethink on the proposed 15 minute period of grace.
Town centre retailers spoke of their “shock and surprise” when they learned of the introduction of charges on October 1, a plan they state is a “fait accompli”.
They fear the charges will force employees and shoppers to park in residential areas and supermarket car parks outside the town centre.
They also say the 15 minutes free parking should be doubled to 30 minutes, the “status quo” of current restrictions.
A Forfar Community Council survey of 59 retailers revealed nine out of 10 town centre businesses believed the charges would be bad for business.
Katharine Mclean of Andrew Begg on West High Street and Ray Bruce of Bruce Locksmith and Hardware on East High Street are part of an informal group of retailers which meets regularly to discuss a number of issues.
Katharine said: “We found out about the introduction of parking charges by stealth. It felt like a fait accompli. We feel it will tangibly effect our income.
“What is frustrating is there are green shoots with new businesses starting up
“We accept there has to be change, but there has been a lack of sensitivity to the pressure businesses are under. KATHARINE MCLEAN
as a result of forward thinking two or three years ago and now the retrograde step is they are going to nip these green shoots in the bud.
“We feel for those who employ staff, you are also endangering livelihoods.
“I’m not saying the council shouldn’t charge for any parking – I realise they have a hole in their budget – but there needs to be a limited period of free onstreet parking.
“We accept there has to be change, but there has been a lack of sensitivity to the pressure businesses are under.
“We worry incessantly about footfall, which is a real concern and we think this will hinder footfall.”
Ray argued the 15 minutes free grace proposed by the council was not long enough, especially for those wishing to visit restaurants in the town.
The recent introduction of traffic wardens has proved successful but they fear any benefits to trade will be removed by the free parking period.
Councillor Angus Macmillan Douglas, the authority’s depute leader and finance convener, said: “The introduction of parking charges in Angus towns will make an important contribution to the funding of vital services by raising £300,000 in the current financial year and then £700,000 in 2019-20.
“It will also bring Angus into line with neighbouring councils, which have charged for parking for many years, although it should be noted we shall charge less than our neighbours.
“We have opened a consultation with residents about how the charges will be administered and we very much welcome the constructive involvement of as many Angus citizens as possible in this consultation.”
jathomson@thecourier.co.uk