Car park charges drive users out (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Car park charges drive users out

THESE pictures are proof that Cotswold District Council's controversial hike in parking charges is forcing motorists to look elsewhere.

One month after the new tariffs were introduced, Cirencester's residential streets are clogged with vehicles, cars are being left on private land and some town centre car parks are less than half full at peak times.

The controlling Tory group, which introduced the new charges, says early usage figures are within their predicted budget.

But businesses and residents say the true picture is there for all to see.

Pub landlord Dave Watson is threatening to clamp vehicles that are left in his car park without permission.

Mr Watson, who runs the Wheatsheaf in Cricklade Street, said: "There's a noticeable increase in the amount of people using the car park who aren't customers.

"I don't think it's worth writing to the council because they're oblivious to the concerns of the people of the town.

"We've seen genuine customers drive away because they can't get a space."

Our dramatic shots of the half-deserted Sheep Street and Brewery car parks were taken at 9.30am on Wednesday, May 5.

Meanwhile the pictures in Beeches Road (9.55am) and Chester Street (10.15am) show that, in stark contrast, an increasing number of cars are being left in residential streets.

Chester Street resident Anna Whiting said: "There's been a definite increase - you don't recognise a lot of cars that park here.

"Fire engines and ambulances wouldn't be able to get down here. It's very dangerous."

While Mike Donohoe, landlord of the nearby Oddfellows pub, added: "There are incidents of cars getting pranged. The other week, the wheelie bins couldn't get collected and it's difficult for deliveries."

Stanley Kinson, who lives in Beeches Road, said: "It's got worse here. The road is always full - it's terrible."

Despite the visual evidence, Cllr Lynden Stowe, who is the council's new portfolio holder for environment, which includes carparks, said early figures supported the Tory group's strategy.

He said: "Our initial indications are that figures are broadly within the budget. There are a couple of exceptions to that. We've lost six percent of the capacity in Cirencester with Lewis Lane closing.

"In terms of the landlord, that's a private matter between him and the people who are parking on his premises.

"If he wants to write to the council or me, I'll make sure I read that letter and act on it - I'll read it and reply.

"We are listening."