David Heath: Parking Charges Are A Threat To Our Traders

[David Heath MP writing for the Western Gazette on Thursday 26th January 2012]

A lot of people got in got touch last week to ask me to attend and speak in a debate about local shopping centres, picking up in particular the effect of parking charges.

Attend I certainly did, but frustratingly, I am not allowed as a Minister to speak in what was a backbench debate. However the subject of car parking, an issue across the country it seems, was repeatedly raised, and the local government minister who responded to the debate said: "It is absolutely essential, even in these incredibly tough times, for local authorities to appreciate that hammering the motorist visiting the local shops will not be the solution to the area's problems and certainly not to those of retailers."

I have no doubt that will be quoted by those who are concerned at the prospect of charges for car parks being introduced in local towns such as Castle Cary. The truth is, however, that far from hammering the motorist, South Somerset District Council has been remarkably forbearing for many years.

Car parking charges are of course applied in Yeovil, and are common to almost all of the surrounding council areas. The question is whether they should be introduced in the smaller market towns now. My answer has always been no, but I understand entirely why the question is being asked.

There is some confusion at the moment between two quite separate decisions. Firstly, Somerset County Council has decided to take on what are called Civil Enforcement Powers to take over on-street parking previously done by police. It means the council could, if it so decided, introduce charges for on-street parking and can see why that would concern people. I wrote to them on this and they have assured me that there are no plans to introduce charging in Castle Cary or elsewhere at present. They say they would only contemplate doing so "where local residents and businesses tell us there is a need for it."

The second issue is whether South Somerset should charge for parking in the council-owned car parks. A decision in principle was taken to do so back in 2007, but never implemented, partly because of the concerns on the effect on local shops expressed then. As I said, I understand why the council, struggling with balancing a budget, needs to consider the issue. And I recognise that the charges suggested are very much lower than elsewhere. But I also fear that charges will be a disincentive to shoppers at a time when the economic situation is still bleak.

Discussions are going on between the district council and the local town councils. I hope they will come out with a satifactory conclusion. If I can help in any way to make sure that happens, then of course I will. What I am cIear about is that anything which threatens the unique opportunities for distinctive shopping we enjoy in places like Castle Cary should be avoided if at all possible.

Comments

Victor Meldrew
Posts: 1

Re: David Heath: Parking Charges Are A Threat To Our Traders
Reply #1 on : Mon February 27, 2012, 11:09:34

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I know I am a little late in commenting, but after seeing who is responsible for these plans I feel I must. It astounded me to discover that the TWO Councillors who are behind this proposal are none otherethat two of our locl one, two who should know better. But I shouldn`t be too surprised as one is, or was the prime mover for the unwanted re-development of Mudford Rec` in Yeovil. The question`s that come to mind are - Why, and - Why are they Councillors, as they do not appear to be doing things for the benifit of their Wards. That is what I is what I thought they stood for, I appear to be sadly mistaken!

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