Changes to Shrewsbury car parking charges 'excessive'

Shropshire Council wants to increase the cost of parking in council-owned car parks and on-street parking areas

Planned increases to car park charges in Shrewsbury have been described as "excessive" and "detrimental" by residents.

Shropshire Council wants to increase the cost of parking in council-owned car parks and on-street parking areas.

The changes are being proposed to encourage drivers to park elsewhere or walk, cycle and use public transport.

But residents said the increase in charges could discourage people from visiting the town centre.

The proposals, set to be considered by the council's cabinet on Wednesday, include charging for parking until 20:00 GMT and changes to tariffs on Sundays and bank holidays.

If approved, the changes would come into effect from 1 April and a report drawn up for the authority said they could raise £1.76m and reduce traffic.

Shop owner Niall Hartshorn said the changes were "very frustrating"

Niall Hartshorn, who runs independent shop No. 61 in the town, said the proposed charges were "very frustrating".

He described Shrewsbury as a "resilient town" but questioned where people would get the extra money from.

"People just aren't coming into Shrewsbury," he said.

"I had a friend in last week, he had to pay nearly £5 for two hours [of] parking and I thought it was a couple of quid.

"A fiver isn't pocket change, it's ridiculous."

'Fairly expensive'

Other residents told BBC Radio Shropshire the proposed increases were "excessive" and was not a "good value for money".

"It's already fairly expensive to park anywhere in Shrewsbury. Anyone that parks here to go to work in Shrewsbury is really going to feel it," one man said.

Councillor Dan Morris said the authority needed to make savings for next year and the potential £1.76m would be spent on improving car park facilities in the county.

He added there were "more affordable options" for parking with a park and ride service, which allowed people to park all day for £2.

"The council is looking at improving bus services," Mr Morris said.

"We're looking at different ways of improving cycling and pedestrian access in town."