Town leaders have hit out at controversial plans to increase parking charges, claiming the move would kill trade in Shrewsbury.
The hike in town centre charges is under consultation with Shropshire Council. Long-stay car parking could rise to £5 at St Julian Friar’s car park, which could also see a new short-stay fee introduced.
Abbey Foregate car park could see a rise to £4 for a stay of up to 10 hours. The charges at Frankwell car park could also be raised to £5 for long-stay parking.
The plan does however outline changes which would make it free to park in the town centre after 6pm – in a bid to boost evening trade.
But critics say the hike in day charges would be another blow to retailers, with many shoppers opting to park for free at out-of-town retail parks.
James Gollins, committee member of the Federation of Small Businesses, said: “My view is that if they want to kill the town centre off then this is the right way to do it.
“If you are going to have shoppers coming into the centre then you don’t want a big surcharge when you can park at out of town retail parks for free.
“We’ve got to be able to compete with other towns and I think this is totally the wrong area.”
John Hall, chairman of Shop in the Loop, said: “Pretty much every out of town retail park has free parking now so I think if these charges are introduced it will be highly probable that it will affect trade in the town.
“When things are tight increases such as this will affect both customers coming into the town centre and retailers already based there. In an ideal world there would be a reduction not an increase.”
Councillor Keith Barrow, Shropshire Council’s leader, said: “This is the very start of the process – we want to hear from as many people and businesses as possible. All responses will be carefully considered before any decisions are made.
“We recognise that every market town is different and, through extensive consultation, we will tailor our options to meet local needs.”
To get involved in the consultation call 0345 678 9000, email transport@shropshire.gov.uk or visit www.shropshire.gov.uk/parking.nsf
The deadline for feedback is October 13.
By David Seadon