Norman_Conquest
Well-known member
We all know these councils are on the bones of their backsides but is increasing parking charges on a struggling high street really going to help?
It seems there are plenty of business and visitors to Redcar who are not happy about this decision with one shopper stating "Parking charges for short term 'fleeting' customers have discouraged these 10 minute shoppers from entering the high street.
"The council is supposed to be considering high street regeneration, uplifts to the town centre, ways to attract visitors and shoppers to the town. The council's short-sighted policies are a further strangle hold on an almost dead town."
The Gazette goes on to say that at the beginning of the year the hour free parking was removed, with shoppers now facing charges of £1.60 for the first hour and £2.20 for each additional hour.
The charges don't seem excessive but business owners are saying it is having an impact and a drop in footfall on the high street. People are unwilling to pay parking fees, and it deters shoppers, especially if they are only planning to make a quick visit or purchase a small item. Let's face it, the overall attractiveness of Redcar High Street and the introduction of parking fees is not going to make you rush there.
If your visit takes two hours, that is £3.80 in parking and it would be cheaper to buy your item online and get it delivered.
JonnyHistory - You are a councillor in R&C, do you care to comment?
It seems there are plenty of business and visitors to Redcar who are not happy about this decision with one shopper stating "Parking charges for short term 'fleeting' customers have discouraged these 10 minute shoppers from entering the high street.
"The council is supposed to be considering high street regeneration, uplifts to the town centre, ways to attract visitors and shoppers to the town. The council's short-sighted policies are a further strangle hold on an almost dead town."
The Gazette goes on to say that at the beginning of the year the hour free parking was removed, with shoppers now facing charges of £1.60 for the first hour and £2.20 for each additional hour.
The charges don't seem excessive but business owners are saying it is having an impact and a drop in footfall on the high street. People are unwilling to pay parking fees, and it deters shoppers, especially if they are only planning to make a quick visit or purchase a small item. Let's face it, the overall attractiveness of Redcar High Street and the introduction of parking fees is not going to make you rush there.
If your visit takes two hours, that is £3.80 in parking and it would be cheaper to buy your item online and get it delivered.
JonnyHistory - You are a councillor in R&C, do you care to comment?
Claims Teesside high street is 'dead' following parking charge changes
They claim the new parking regulations are affecting trade
www.gazettelive.co.uk