Author Topic: Important proof that parking charges damage local trade  (Read 2162 times)

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Offline Web Admin

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Important proof that parking charges damage local trade
« on: 08 November, 2013, 04:03:21 PM »
Bookham traders offering parking discount to save shops

SHOPKEEPERS in Bookham have introduced a scheme refunding customers who have to pay for newly-introduced parking charges to use their stores.

The parade of shops in Grove Corner is offering a 30p refund to anyone who spends £5 in-store and presents a parking ticket from the Lower Shott car park nearby.

The scheme comes after Mole Valley District Council introduced a pay-and-display machine at the previously free car park in September – a move which shopkeepers say has hurt their trade.

Speaking to the Advertiser after the launch of the scheme, Peter Davies, owner of greengrocers The Fruit Grove for 34 years, said: "It's vital we get people coming in as shops these days are always at risk.

"At first we supported parking charges as long as there was a still a free, short-stay period available so customers could pop in and out for free, but that hasn't happened.

"The problem beforehand was that cars were parking there and not using the shops, as was their right, and all the shops got complaints from customers saying they couldn't get into the shops."

The council introduced a "penny a minute" rate as part of the new charges, in which users could park for 30 minutes for 30p, the ticket the shops are now offering to refund.

"We understand customers might just want to pop in and to have to pay £5 to get parking back might seem a lot but we have already had previous customers come back because of this initiative," said Mr Davies.

"These shops are struggling to survive and unless we can get the customers to come back then everyone is at risk. It's vital we get people coming."

Speaking after the charges were implemented, district council leader Chris Townsend said they were introduced to appease shop owners who have complained of vehicles outstaying their welcome.

"Lower Shott traders told us that many of the spaces in the car park were being taken up by people who leave their cars there all day, making it more difficult for shoppers to access their businesses," he said.

"We want to support these important local businesses by introducing pay-and-display parking, while also bringing the car park in line with all of our other car parks, which are pay and display."

He continued: "We hope the changes will help people to access Bookham's shops and other businesses more easily.
"Introducing the 30p charge will hopefully encourage those wanting to 'pop and shop' for a very low fee. They will also have the security of parking in a safe car park, rather than on the road."

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http://www.thisissurreytoday.co.uk/Bookham-traders-offering-parking-discount-save/story-20047073-detail/story.html#axzz2k4JE8VEB

Offline DastardlyDick

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Re: Important proof that parking charges damage local trade
« Reply #1 on: 08 November, 2013, 04:57:34 PM »
To be fair, it also shows how a lack of parking charges/enforcement damages businesses. :-)

Offline The Bald Eagle

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Re: Important proof that parking charges damage local trade
« Reply #2 on: 09 November, 2013, 02:12:09 PM »
It also proves there is a middle ground that would work for everybody. 30 minutes free parking would solve the whole problem.

So why did the council not do this?

Surely it couldn't be because

IT'S ALL ABOUT THE MONEY
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Offline DastardlyDick

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Re: Important proof that parking charges damage local trade
« Reply #3 on: 11 November, 2013, 08:55:58 AM »
I guess it costs the Council money to have someone come out and empty the money out of the P & D machine, keep it supplied with paper and generally maintain it.

Offline The Bald Eagle

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Re: Important proof that parking charges damage local trade
« Reply #4 on: 11 November, 2013, 12:08:44 PM »
@DastardlyDick

I'm not saying it should be entirely free. Obviously that didn't work and that is why the shopkeepers asked the council to intervene.

The problem comes when the council spotted the opportunity of a nice little earner, particularly if you have to pay from the moment you park. That also means that the number of PCNs being issued will increase because CEOs wouldn't have to wait 30 minutes to find out whether someone overstays.

So why not give everyone 30 minutes free parking, not just here but in all council run car parks, all over the country?

It might go some way to appeasing Eric Pickles too. His suggested solution is to allow 30 minutes free parking on yellow lines and he wants to enshrine this in legislation. And the only reason he has reached this conclusion is because LAs have forced the issue by being as greedy as the Bookham LA, by not recognising the single most sensible and completely workable solution.

30 minutes free parking.
WE ARE WATCHING YOU

Offline DastardlyDick

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Re: Important proof that parking charges damage local trade
« Reply #5 on: 12 November, 2013, 11:57:36 AM »
@DastardlyDick

I'm not saying it should be entirely free. Obviously that didn't work and that is why the shopkeepers asked the council to intervene.

The problem comes when the council spotted the opportunity of a nice little earner, particularly if you have to pay from the moment you park. That also means that the number of PCNs being issued will increase because CEOs wouldn't have to wait 30 minutes to find out whether someone overstays.

So why not give everyone 30 minutes free parking, not just here but in all council run car parks, all over the country?

It might go some way to appeasing Eric Pickles too. His suggested solution is to allow 30 minutes free parking on yellow lines and he wants to enshrine this in legislation. And the only reason he has reached this conclusion is because LAs have forced the issue by being as greedy as the Bookham LA, by not recognising the single most sensible and completely workable solution.

30 minutes free parking.

I agree, 30 minutes free parking would be a solution.

Having looked at this place, I'm surprised they actually have a problem with people parking there all day, as it isn't near any of the usual things that cause such problems like Train Stations.


 


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