Widnes parking charges met with anger
THE firm behind a controversial move to bring in paid parking at Green Oaks Shopping Centre in Widnes has agreed to make concessions after representations from Halton Borough Council’s leader.
A spokeswoman for the local authority said Cllr Mike Wharton had asked for the charges to be withdrawn.
She said that following the leader’s request, the car park’s owners had agreed not to enforce any penalties for non-payment until after May 10 to allow visitors to get used to the new system.
In addition, machines that accept cash will be installed to cater for drivers who aren’t comfortable with other means of payment.
The council spokeswoman said the owners had also agreed to continue negotiations and to keep the arrangements under review.
The decision to install the automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) parking charge system was widely condemned online when the machines appeared in the car park in early April.
Halton MP Derek Twigg was scathing about the proposal on Facebook: “I am disgusted that the new owners of the Green Oaks/ Morrisons/the Market car park are introducing a car parking charge.
“Widnes has always had free parking, I do my shopping every week in Widnes town centre and frequently come across people who visit Widnes to shop here. When I ask why, the main answer is always the free parking.
“I think it is a totally short sighted decision by the new owners of Green Oaks, Austringer Capital Ltd, this coming on top of the complaints I am seeing about the rent rises they have imposed that have already driven some businesses out of Green Oaks.
“My understanding is the new US private equity owners of Morrisons have sub-let Green Oaks, including the car parks, to Austringer Capital Ltd.
“I have been in touch with Halton Borough Council and I have asked to be included in the meetings they are seeking with these organisations.
“I put on record that I agree with my constituents and the councillors I have spoken to - Widnes has always had free parking and it should remain that way. In the face of a cost of living crisis this is a terrible decision for my constituents, local businesses and our area.”
The changes do not affect the nearby Morrisons section of the car park.
Following the concessions made by the car park’s owners, Cllr Wharton said: “Whilst not going as far as we had wished, I am pleased that the owners have agreed some concessions and also agreed to keep the scheme under review.
“We will continue to make our representations.”
Following the initial outcry, a spokesperson for Green Oaks managing agents Savills said: “As managing agent of Green Oaks Shopping Centre in Widnes, Savills can confirm that an ANPR system has been installed and a tariff of £1 per day (12am to 11.59pm) has been introduced. This does not include the adjacent Morrisons car park.
“Following the Covid19 pandemic, in order to generate further investment to guarantee the best possible experience for its customers, the centre will introduce a charge in order to maintain the parking facilities.
“Savills has ensured the charge is nominal so the car park remains accessible to all.”