Shrewsbury traders concerned over parking charge proposals

Business owner Deborah Carvell said she was incredibly concerned about the impact of the proposals

Proposed changes to car parking charges will deter visitors from a town centre, traders fear.

Shropshire Council wants to increase charges to encourage drivers to park cars outside Shrewsbury's river loop and walk, cycle or use public transport to get into town.

Its cabinet is being asked to consider the changes at a meeting this week.

But businesses say they are worried it will stop people visiting and make it harder for staff to get to work.

The local authority said the changes are being proposed to encourage more active travel and the use of public transport, and raise money for car park maintenance.

'Generate £1.76m'

Recommendations include charging for parking until 20:00, rather than 18:00 at present, in Shrewsbury and to introduce or increase Sunday and bank holiday charges across the county.

The council said if proposals were approved, it could generate an extra £1.76m, once costs are taken into account.

If agreed the charges will come into effect on 1 April and Shrewsbury would contribute 71% of the overall increase in parking income.

The changes would come into force from 1 April if agreed

The report to the meeting states that in order to encourage people to park outside the town centre, improvements were needed to the reliability and frequency of the park and ride service is needed.

Research would also need take place into the feasibility of a late bus for people unable to catch the current last bus at 18:30, it added.

Cabinet would also be asked to agree a Parking Asset Improvement Plan for the repair and maintenance of car parks throughout Shropshire.

Dan Morris, council cabinet member for highways and transport, said the plans include increasing the number of parking spaces available, as well as reduce emissions.

'Threaten the economy'

But Seb Slater, executive director of Shrewsbury Business Improvement District (BID) said it was "very concerned" about the plans.

"The proposed extension of charging hours until 8pm and the reduction of Sunday parking offers, pose a threat to the town's evening and Sunday economies," he said.

He said the BID would lobby the council to reconsider the plans and businesses were being urged to share their views through a dedicated survey.

Deborah Carvell, owner of Carvell on the Square, Carvell Lingerie and Swimwear and soon to be opened Deja Vu, said: "As the owner of multiple independent businesses in Shrewsbury, I'm incredibly concerned about the impact of these proposals.

"These price hikes threaten to deter people from visiting the town centre, will be hugely challenging for Shrewsbury workers from across the county and will undoubtedly threaten the vitality of our economy."