I've just read the legal notice in last week's Newsletter announcing increases in car parking charges on Stone's car parks. As from the beginning of February, short stay fees will increase from 40p to 50p for up to one hour's parking and from 80p to 90p for up to 2 hours.
Now I know we're only talking pence (although the mathematicians will point out that one is a 25% increase) and that Stone parking charges are the lowest for miles around but the increases display a frame of mind that I find worrying. I've said it before - we need a total change of attitude from local authorities towards parking charges in our town centres. Instead of treating car parks as a source of revenue, they should be regarded as a vital part of a town's attractions to encourage shoppers into the high streets.
The next few years are going to be difficult for retailers in towns like Stone. Wouldn't it have been so much more encouraging if we had seen an announcement to the effect that charges had been held (or even reduced) in order to help boost the town's economy?
And why no mention of Stafford car parks in the notice? Does that mean that there will be no parking fee increases in Stafford? If so, that's bound to pour more petrol on the 'us and them' fire!
2 comments:
Richard
Park at the bottom of the high street on the footpath around ST Michaels Hall most do !!!
!
parking is really a great topic and requires great attention of the peoples.
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