Parking changes for Ludlow traders are defended
Shropshire Council has defended proposed changes to parking for market traders in Ludlow which have come under fire.
A public consultation is ongoing into changes to the town's parking, which include plans for market traders with vans in Ludlow to pay full rates.
Councillor for Ludlow North Andy Boddington said people may be "put off" coming to the market.
Steve Davenport, Shropshire Council’s cabinet member for highways and transport, said the changes would free up space for visitors and shoppers.
He said: “Part one of Shropshire Council’s new parking strategy, which considers the provision of, and payment for, on-street and off-street parking, was approved in January 2018 following a 12-week public consultation.
"We're now carrying out a further consultation on a small number of additional proposals relating to the new strategy.
“The consultation doesn’t just focus on Ludlow, or on Castle Street car park in Ludlow. In fact, it puts forward a number of proposals relating to Ludlow, Shrewsbury, Bridgnorth and Ellesmere-Mere-side.
“We’re not planning to stop market traders using Castle Street car park in Ludlow, simply proposing to end the concessionary rate permits currently available to them.
"We feel this would free up spaces for visitors and shoppers, would reduce congestion in the car park and the town centre, and would encourage market traders to use alternative car parks more appropriate to the type of vehicle that they use. This will also ensure consistency across the county.
“We encourage anyone with any views for or against this proposal to submit their comments as part of the consultation, via the council website or using one of the consultation surveys available at Ludlow Library. The consultation ends on June 21.
“All comments submitted will be carefully considered before the council’s cabinet makes a final decision in July.”
Market traders can currently purchase a waiver to allow all day parking in the town centre car parks.
But the authority is to withdraw all waivers.
Market trader permits would also be removed from Shrewsbury's Frankwell car park.
Meanwhile, the plan is for visitor permits in Low Town, Bridgnorth, used by the proprietor or manager of a hotel, guest house, bed and breakfast, self-catering or holiday let establishment, to be removed and replaced with season tickets for use by their guests in any Shropshire Council car parks listed as bands four, five and six.
Under the plans, Shrewsbury's Raven Meadows multi-storey car park would be open 24 hours, changed from 8am to 6pm as it is currently.
For more information visit shropshire.gov.uk/get-involved/shropshire-council-s-parking-strategy-additional-proposals
