Poll: Should parking charges come back to Market Rasen in July?

Parking charges in West Lindsey District Council run car parks could be reinstated from July 1.

As lockdown restrictions are easing and non-essential shops being able to reopen, the reintroduction of charges will be discussed at a meeting of the council’s Corporate Policy and Resources Committee next Thursday, June 18.

Following the outbreak of coronavirus, parking charges were suspended from March 16.

In a report tabled for next Thursday’s meeting, it is felt it is appropriate to review the timing of the reintroduction of parking and permit charges.

There is, however, a view that by introducing car parking charges too soon, economic recovery locally may be hampered, albeit there are two hour free policies in the town’s car parks.

The council is evaluating three options for reinstating parking charges.

These are to reintroduce parking charges with effect from July 1, reintroduce parking charges with effect from October 1 or reintroduce parking charges with effect from April 1, 2021.

Any decision will have financial consequences for the council, as the council’s annual car parking income, including penalty notices, is budgeted at £294,400.

Parking permits are currently offered at a discounted basis for regular car park users who wish to take advantage of the discounted rates and also have the convenience of pre-payment in that they can park without making a payment action every time they park.

In the event of increased home-working, it is likely permit holders will find the permit is not economically viable for their own circumstances and may cancel their permits.

While this would reduce permit income, it is inevitable that parking income overall will reduce if users work from home more frequently, and they will probably make their choice of payment method based upon their cheapest solution.

What do you think?

Should WLDC bring back parking charges on July 1? Vote in our poll and leave your comments below.