'Let our shoppers park for free'
TRADERS are calling for shoppers to be given free car parking across the East Riding.
It comes as more than 20,000 people signed a petition objecting to the possibility of free parking being scrapped in Cottingham, Anlaby, Goole, Mappleton, Stamford Bridge, Pocklington, Hessle, Hedon and Willerby.
At present charges are made in Beverley, Bridlington, Driffield, Goole, Hornsea and Howden.
Hornsea trader Alvin Wilkinson, who owns Countdown in Newbegin, said the charges harmed business.
Mr Wilkinson, 66, said: "We already have car parking charges in Hornsea, which has a detrimental effect on trade. I will not be happy until I see all these parking machines taken out."
The Mail launched its Park the Charges campaign last month against proposals to introduce charges at 20 sites across the region. The council is holding a consultation into plans.
Those behind the proposals claim introducing the charges would allow the council to reduce the cost of parking at 29 of the 40 sites where charges are already operating.
But councillors have admitted they will only generate just under £8,500 a year from the new charges.
Trader Philip Guest, who is also chairman of Beverley and District Chamber of Trade, said: "The council has always argued that parking is not just about revenue, it's about managing the traffic.
"That's a load of rubbish. It's just a money-making exercise. If it's not about making money they would allow us to have 30 minutes free parking so people can nip in and out for quick errands."
Mr Wilkinson wrote to Councillor Felicity Temple, chairman of the council panel behind the proposed charges, to complain about the plans to introduce parking charges at the 20 locations.
In her reply she stated: "I notice you also wrote to the Mail, who have now decided to try to stop us implementing charges where there are none at present.
"Sadly, if this campaign succeeds it would mean the reductions proposed for Hornsea would also have to be shelved."
Cllr Temple said: "The changes will benefit some towns who have been paying car parking charges for the past 13 years.
"If we charged 50p an hour in other areas, we could use the money to reduce the cost in other areas, or give them half an hour free."
19 Comments
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by lucy, hornsea
Monday, March 30 2009, 2:11PM
“we have 2 in town and 4 on beach haha
is that not enough???
also three are free......”
by sean, Tokyo
Tuesday, March 17 2009, 11:22PM
“Ah yes it's free at hornseas herons but people park there and then walk to the beach. That then stops the shoppers who want to actually do some shopping, from parking there. Then they either have to park and pay near the seafront or find a spot behind southgate and clog up the roads so that the residents can't park there. Make em pay, they'll still come !”
by practical solutions, Hornsea
Thursday, March 12 2009, 10:35PM
“Why do all car parks have to bechargeable? - What is wrong with adapting to supply and demand rules. if you want to park on the doorstep - pay for it - land is expensive; however shortage of space for shoppers parking is no reason to charge them and kill off traders.
So simple solution in Hornsea, charge for all parking on the sea frontage but leave the 'heron' carpark free, like Tesco have shown with a 3 hr limit
Elsewhere can adapt to suit its own demands..
this 'blanket approach to all things' drives me mad.
every case is different, every need must be studied.
Advice is free - just get on with it..”
by Charles, Cottingham
Tuesday, March 10 2009, 1:50AM
“I'm getting right sick of these motorists who want to dump their cars on public land at no cost to themselves.
Why should they have this liberty?
Everything has a cost; parking your expensive fatmobile on council property should cost you a fair packet, I reckon.
If you don't like it, don't park it.”
by max, molescroft
Monday, March 09 2009, 3:36PM
“where were these 20,000 people when parking charges were introduced in Beverley, and then subsequentialy hiked up. What is it not in my back yard.”
by Pob, Bev
Monday, March 09 2009, 1:50PM
“I'm all for an increase in funding for public transport but until the prices come down then it will never play the role that it should in a country of this size. Nearly £20 for me to get a day-return to Brid for the family will never compete with a few quid in parking and petrol fees. Most expensive public transport in europe.”
by Chris, Hedon & Bury
Monday, March 09 2009, 1:38PM
“Perhaps if the revenue from the parking charges were to be hypothecated and ring-fenced for (public) transport improvements there might be some justification in the proposals. For example, if the funds were to be used to pay for re-opening the Hornsea and Withernsea lines as light rail services to improve access to the the places en route the parking fees would be a price worth paying. Wherever local rail services have been restored the towns served have benefitted. Bury and Altrincham are cases in point. The world famous market in Bury has thrived since the arrival of Metrolink. But to simply charge visitors for parking when the public transport option is poor or non-existant is grossly unfair on motorists. And I speak as a public transport user.”
by john, Fremantle
Monday, March 09 2009, 12:08PM
“How come there are so many disabled bays in these locations? looks like a very unhealthy place to live.”
by Astonomia, East Riding
Monday, March 09 2009, 11:49AM
“The proposals mean Driffield's biggest car park would become a very nice earner for the council.
Coun. Temple & Coun. Fraser (portfolio holder for [lack of] road repairs are Driffield councillors.
Remember this when you vote next. If the opposition parties had anything about them they would be putting posters up around the car parks reminding everyone of who thought up this greedy scheme.”
by redundant shopkeeper, Hull
Monday, March 09 2009, 11:35AM
“Why should we have to pay to park in Hull? What makes the East Riding such a special case?”