Market Drayton car parking charges petition handed in to Shropshire Council

More than 2,300 people have signed the petition started by Geoff Vernon, chairman of Festival Drayton Centre in Market Drayton.

The petition was launched in opposition to the plans, which would see parking charges increase, the town’s only free car park become chargeable and the 15-minute 'pop-and-shop' scheme finish.

In addition, currently motorists can park for free from 6pm to 8am in the town and the proposals would change this from 8pm to 9am.

Mr Vernon said he handed the petition to Councillor Steve Davenport, Shropshire Council's cabinet member for highways and transport, at a town meeting.

More than 20 people attended the town meeting to voice their concerns about Shropshire Council’s car parking consultation which is taking place across the county.

He said: "We are very grateful to councillor Steve Davenport for coming to the town meeting so we could question him and let him know the town's views on the plans.

"We are also pleased he gave us the option to hand the petition over to him so he can use the feedback to help shape the plans."

Market Drayton Town Council has also given their views on the car parking plans by writing a letter to Shropshire Council.

Councillor Matthew Erwin, mayor of Market Drayton, said: "Recently, a town meeting has been held with the main topic of car parking being passionately discussed.

"An extraordinary general meeting of the town council was called after this meeting, resultant from this a letter detailing our opposition to the 'one size fits all approach of the consultation has been sent.

"More specifically, retaining free parking at Newport Road, having a mixture of linear and non-linear car parks, maintaining the pop and shop free period were called for along with more up to date car parking meters.

"We await their response and the overall outcome from the consultation."

Market Drayton’s short-stay car parks in Frogmore Road and Queen Street currently charge 50p for one hour, 90p for two hours and £1.30 for a maximum stay of three hours.

Under the new proposals motorists will pay 50p per hour and be allowed to park without a maximum stay limit. Towers Lawn car park which is currently 10p for two hours, 50p for four hours, £1 for six hours and £1.80 for 10 hours, would increase to 30p per hour.

To take part in the consultation, go to shropshire.gov.uk/parking-consultation

Printed copies of the consultation documents are available from Shropshire Council libraries and customer service points, and on request by calling 0345 678 9028.

The consultation will run until October 14.