Sunday parking fee row (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Sunday parking fee row

MOTORISTS may soon be charged car parking fees on Sundays and Bank Holidays.

But the move, being proposed by Cotswold District Council, has angered traders in Cirencester who believe it may adversely affect their business.

Cirencester Chamber of Commerce President Mark Harris said: "I think there'll be some irate people around if this is introduced.

"While I realise it (the council) is trying to raise extra funds, my instant gut reaction to this is 'oh come on'.

"The actual costs might not put a person off, but the fact it's being done might leave a bitter taste in someone's mouth."

And, after e-mailing chamber members with the news, responses within just 15 minutes included: "I don't believe this is justified, given the income that must already accrue from the charges during the week in Cirencester's heavily used car parks."

Mr Harris added: "If it was the general opinion of our members that this was a bad idea, we would on their behalf oppose it."

Suresh Patel, owner of the Country Flower Company and Zoiren coffee shop in Bishop's Walk, Cirencester said: "I think they get enough money on weekdays without having to charge on Sundays and Bank Holidays.

"I think it's not necessary and that it will keep people from coming into town so often."

Helen Harvey, manager of Ottakars in Cricklade Street, which opens on Sundays, said: "I know there will be a knock on affect on trade because it happened in Milton Keynes when I was there.

"I think it comes back but people may decide to do other things."

Peter Stringfellow, owner of Crocodile toy shop, in the Woolmarket said: "Car parking charges is a method of taxation and it is a soft touch.

"One of Cirencester's many attractions is that the car park regime is, compared to other places, relatively benign, which includes the free parking on evenings, Sundays and Bank Holidays.

"I want to see the town centre well managed, that's the crucial part of it." Cirencester town councillor Robin Bourne added: "I can only express a personal opinion. My first gut reaction is that I'm opposed to it.

"There are few things that are free in life and I think something ought to be."

The proposal is one of several new policies which Cotswold District Council wants to introduce in relation to car and lorry parks.

Sundays and Bank Holidays are traditionally free parking days and many people leave their cars overnight if they are visiting pubs and restaurants, because they know there is no charge.

Car park charges look set to increase across the board, although tourists will feel the rise most.

In certain cases, residents will be entitled to a discount, as will season ticket holders.

They may even be issued with smart cards, which automatically reduce the charge at pay machines.

But, if all the policies are implemented, visitors to the district will be forced to pay the full rate, seven days a week.

The proposed policies were discussed by the council's environment and economy committee on Tuesday.

The issue was also due to go before the executive committee today (Thursday), although it is unlikely individual car park charges will be set immediately as the environment and economy committee has requested more information before making a decision.

Cirencester councillor Shirley Alexander disagreed with some of the new ideas.

She said: "I feel this is a mistake. Sundays and Bank Holidays should be free, as they are in many towns."

But colleague Clive Bennett said: "Many areas already charge (on Bank Holidays/Sundays) but they charge 50p or a nominal fee per day. I think that would be far more reasonable."

Some 17 out of the district's 21 car parks are fee charging. They are placed into specific categories based on the length of time motorists are supposed to use them.

The council's shortest stay car park is the Market Place in Cirencester, where motorists are charged 50 pence for up to one hour.

Facilities such as the town's Old Station and Sheep Street car parks, which cater for long and short stay motorists, charge £2.40 for up to 10 hours, while you can park for a day in a long stay car park, such as the Beeches, for 90 pence.

This contrasts sharply with the charges in the Rissington Road tourist car park in Bourton-on-the-Water, where visitors are charged £2.50 for less than three hours and £4.10 for an eight hour stay.