Sunday parking charges dropped (From This is Hampshire)

Sunday parking charges dropped

1:26pm Thursday 29th January 2009 in

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CIVIC chiefs have scrapped plans to bring in Sunday parking charges for visitors to Winchester, after a string of complaints from traders and shoppers.

The scheme was due to come before the city council’s cabinet next Wednesday (February 4).

Traders have welcomed the move, having raised concerns that charges would drive shoppers away.

Many residents also slammed the plans, and called on the council to find other ways to balance its books.

Faced with a barrage of bad publicity and objections, the Tory-run authority has now shelved the scheme.

Council leader, Cllr George Beckett, said: “As we set the budget in this difficult economic climate the council has to consider all available options.

“The council has been asking local opinion on a variety of different ways to help us balance the budget, and a charge for Sunday parking was one of them.

“I have listened carefully to representatives of the business community about the negative impact this could have on Winchester in these difficult trading times, and I have come to the conclusion that we should not introduce the charge at this time.”

Those welcoming the aboutturn included Alex Handford, business manager of Hampshire Farmers’ Markets.

She said traders and visitors to the Winchester market — which is held every second Sunday and is Britain’s largest — would have lost out if the charges were brought in.

She said: “We’re absolutely delighted that the charges will not be brought in. It will certainly be welcomed by the vendors and also by the shoppers.

“At our last market we did receive complaints from a couple of visitors about the parking idea, and they said how disgusted they would be if Sunday charges were brought in.”

Keith Wilson, contracts and compliance manager for the Business Improvement District, also welcomed the decision.

He said: “Quality retail is the lifeblood of Winchester city centre, and for many businesses Sunday trading is key to their continued success.

“This would have been the wrong moment to introduce charges for parking on Sundays, and I’m sure that local businesses will welcome this decision.”

Cllr Therese Evans, leader of the opposition Lib Dems, said: “It was a hasty proposal which was withdrawn just as hastily as it was introduced.

“I think it was something that wasn’t thought through, and might have cost as much to run as it would have raised.

“I don’t think there’s anyone in Winchester that wanted to see it happen.

“In one stroke, the Conservatives have managed to antagonise everybody, including the residents and businesses.”

The council had hoped to raise £50,000 by introducing a £1 flat rate fee on Sundays.

By retaining free parking, it remains in line with Eastleigh, Romsey and Andover.