Wiltshire Lib Dems oppose car parking charges

Wiltshire Liberal Democrats are opposing plans to increase charges at council-run car parks across the county.

Wiltshire Liberal Democrat leader Ian Thorn said: "When the costs of living are going up for Wiltshire residents, the council should not be hitting them with higher charges for parking."

Conservative-led Wiltshire Council is planning to make disabled Blue Badge holders pay for parking, to increase all charges by 10p per hour, and to introduce charges for Sunday parking, as well as imposing big rises for season ticket holders.

The plans will be voted on at the Council meeting on 15 February at Trowbridge Civic Centre. The Lib Dems have put forward an amendment to remove the cuts and instead reduce a £1m 'High Street budget' that has been instigated by the Council's Conservative leadership.

Ian Thorn said: "It is particularly cruel to levy charges on disabled Blue Badge holders who need to drive into towns to stock up on supplies.

"Meanwhile, putting up costs for everyone and Sunday charging could backfire and leave the council worse off if people stop using car parks because of the higher charges."

Lib Dem Shadow Finance spokesperson Gavin Grant said "Increasing car parking charges will drive shoppers and visitors away from our High Streets at a time when traders and hospitality venues are struggling to recover from the impact of Covid. It is much better to reduce the High Street budget that ironically provides no direct benefit to our High Streets, business associations or the county's residents."

In assessing the Lib Dem proposal, Wiltshire Council's officers have said that "from a purely financial perspective, the proposal would reduce the risk to the council". This is because the proposal would avoid the potential fall off in demand for car parking if prices rise.

Many Town Councils, business groups and residents have reacted angrily to the planned car parking rises.

Bradford on Avon Mayor Sarah Gibson has written to council leader Richard Clewer, saying: "Wiltshire's identity is built on its market towns, and they are struggling post-Covid to maintain their active centres. Increasing parking charges is a misjudged saving which will keep people away rather assist the independent traders who need the support."

For more information and contacts: Cllr Gavin Grant 07780 650785

Lib Dems oppose Wiltshire Council plans to increase car parking charges | Wiltshire Times