District Council defers £2 overnight parking charge

Leader of the Council, Councillor Craig Leyland, 
said: “Over the coming months as part of the Asset Management Plan that is being developed an independent piece of research will be conducted into the economic and financial impact of car parking charges in 
the district.

“Given the feedback on the overnight charge and this impending piece of work it seems sensible to defer the overnight charge until we have a full understanding of the impact of car parking charges.

“This does not affect the reintroduction of free car parking that was the outcome of a separate piece of work conducted by Overview and Scrutiny Committee.”

Portfolio Holder for Operational Services, Councillor Sandra Harrison, added: “Car parking is a vital income stream to the District Council, particularly as Councils are being pushed by Central Government to rely on the funding they generate locally. All income generated through car parks goes towards the cost of providing the Council’s many and varied services to the community.

“The Council does, however, recognise that car parking arrangements, including the cost to park and tariff structures, have an impact on a significant number of people and whilst there will never be a solution that suits every circumstance, the Council will be looking at the matter over the coming months to ensure the arrangements are the 
best they can be.”