‘Black market’ claim over parking permits in Ludlow

Ludlow residents are said to be passing on a second parking permit to friends, people working in the town centre, or even selling them on.

Shropshire councillors for Ludlow, Andy Boddington, Tracey Huffer and Vivienne Parry, labelled this a “black market trade in permits” in their response to Shropshire Council’s parking proposals.

Shropshire Council is proposing a number of alterations to the way people are charged to park, including introducing different cost bands for car parks, and a “linear” pricing system, that charges the same amount per hour, but works out more expensive for longer stays.

If introduced the changes could also see the end of the 15-minute “pop and shop” grace period.

The councillors held four drop-in sessions where about 100 residents made comments, then produced a response to the parking consultation.

The response suggests how to tackle the “black market trade” in permits.

It says: “The black market in residents’ parking permits must end.

“We are aware that some residents pass on a second permit to friends or people working in town centre businesses. Some permits are allegedly sold on.

“This black market trade in permits reduces the availability of on-street parking spaces in the town for both residents and visitors.

“All vehicles that qualify for a permit in the red and blue zones should be registered in the zone for which the permit applies and at the address at which the applicant lives.”

It adds that the town needs to retain the 15 minute “pop and shop”, free parking after 6pm and half price charges on Sunday.

“Ending the ‘pop and shop’ conflicts with the way that market towns like ours work,” it adds.

“It will drive people to supermarkets with free car parks, threatening the survival of our independent shops.

“The parking strategy is being considered in isolation and is not well aligned with the county’s economic, planning and transport strategies, or the need to protect the environment.

“There is a general shortage of parking in the town, both for visitors and residents.

“Our town, which is set to see significant expansion, must build its future around sustainable transport.”

“The visitor and retail economy is particularly dependent on parking.”

The response adds that a full rate charge on Sundays would damage trade and “penalise churchgoers”.

“Ludlow is open for business on Sundays but, as with our night time economy, trade is not strong.

“Currently parking charges are half the weekday rate. A full rate charge would damage trade, undermine local businesses and penalise churchgoers.”

The response includes proposals for repairing and maintaining Ludlow’s car parks, improving facilities at the Eco Park, creating more spaces in the Upper Galdeford car park and at the youth centre, and creating marked bays for on-street parking.

The councillors add that if financial terms can be agreed, they support council leader Peter Nutting’s proposal that Ludlow’s car parks should be managed by Ludlow Town Council.