I’ve read on social media comments from residents about parking charges ‘racking up’ due to them having to spend more time queuing for shops, banks, and a general slow down in service due to social distancing and reduction in staffing in stores.
So yesterday, I have written to the Rochford District Councillor, Simon Wootton, who is the portfolio holder for Enterprise and responsible for car parks and also sent the email to the Chamber of Trade for their thoughts.
At a time when some are struggling financially, it should not be an opportunity for the Council to milk the cash cow aka car parking, even more. Netting the Council over £1m a year I think the Council should be looking at ways to ease the excess in charging.
I await Cllr Woottons response with hopefully some positive action on this issue.
From: Cllr James Newport <[email protected]>
Sent: 03 June 2020 15:26
To: Cllr Simon Wootton <[email protected]>
Subject: Car Parking Charges / Town CentresDear Cllr Wootton
I have recently raised with the Managing Director and Cllr Steptoe about the issue of an increase in car parking charges that residents find themselves having to pay. The issue has arisen that due to an increase in queuing time (social distancing) and a general slow down in service from banks, retailers etc that residents find themselves having to pay more to use the car parks as they are in town for extended periods. This comes at a time when many find their finances stretched and businesses trying their best to recover and attract return custom.
I hope you will agree that the Council should be doing everything it can to help our residents and local businesses in already challenging economic times and this would seem an issue that needs addressing urgently.
Could you please let me know how you are able to address these concerns?
Regards,
Cllr James Newport
Liberal Democrats
Downhall & Rawreth
www.jamesnewport.co.uk
