Shrewsbury business body raises concerns over Shropshire Council car parking proposals
The body that represents hundreds of businesses in Shrewsbury believes that proposed changes to parking charges in the town centre could damage traders.
Shrewsbury BID held an informal meeting last week and concluded that the proposals were inappropriate and could send shoppers to other towns with in the county where there are cheaper options for parking.
The group, which represents the views of more than 500 businesses in the town, is deeply concerned by some of the proposals put forward in Shropshire Council’s draft car parking strategy, which was announced last week.
The group has been in discussions with Shropshire Council officials on parking issues since 2014 and was responsible for the introduction of the £1 parking charge on a Sunday as part of its pledge to improve vehicle parking and access in Shrewsbury town centre.
They also presented Shropshire Council with a linear parking pricing option back in January 2016 and believed this strategy would encourage economic growth and increase dwell time in Shrewsbury.
And although the council has said it may introduce a linear parking policy across the county following a consultation period - it will rise parking charges for motorists both on-street and in car parks in every town in Shropshire.
Kevin Lockwood, BID board member and chair of the access and car parking group said: “We are very disappointed that our proposals have not been adopted and have major concerns that the Shropshire Council proposal will drive people out of town.”
“The proposal seems to be hung up on environmental impact but we believe there are other ways to help ease emissions and congestion, including electric buses, electric charging points for vehicles, and enhanced Park & Ride services.”
Seb Slater, executive director of Shrewsbury BID, added: “We are concerned that some of the large pricing increases proposed by Shropshire Council are not appropriate for a market town and will lead to people choosing to go elsewhere.”
“Many businesses in the town are already having to come to terms with increased business rates and this proposal would add further pressure to business owners and their staff.”
Shrewsbury BID will be consulting with its members and engaging external car parking experts before formally responding to the proposals.
