Apparently Waveney Council propose to abolish the first free hour of parking in the Thoroughfare car park. Sheila Clifford attended a meeting this week about this matter and there was a large attendance with people seething at the proposal.
The Official Council Order reads:
NOTICE OF PROPOSALS 1. TAKE NOTICE that WAVENEY DISTRICT COUNCIL (“the Council”) of Riverside, 4 Canning Road, Lowestoft, Suffolk, NR33 0EQ intends to make the District of Waveney (Off-Street Parking Places) Order 2016 (“the proposed Order”). 2. The purpose of the proposed Order is to revoke provisions of the District of Waveney (Off-Street Parking Places) (No.2) Order 2011 and Variation No.3. 3. The proposed Order varies charges and introduces other changes as follows: • Increase tariffs by 30p per hour at Pier car park, Southwold; increase tariffs by 20p per hour at Clapham Road car park, Lowestoft; increase tariffs at Lowestoft seafront car parks seasonally by 20p per hour April to October and by 10p per hour November to March; all other car parks within the District to increase by 10p per hour or equivalent % if not charged by the hour. • Reinstate charging for the first hour at Halesworth Thoroughfare and Extension and all Bungay pay and display car parks (to be reviewed after 1 year).
One wonders if this is a case of turkeys voting for Christmas.! A crass propsal that will see many choosing to shop elsewhere.
No doubt villagers will wish to complain to Waveney Council.
What is your opinion?
Tamasine Batey writes: Since free parking was introduced I've popped into town to get things or have a coffee or a quick look in the shops a couple of times a week. I shan't do that once we have to pay. I'll only be visiting when I have a number of things that I desperately need and I can't get to a shopping centre. A real shame as I've enjoyed visiting the town more.
Pat Mattinson writes: Such a bad idea. The town has been so much busier and more vibrant with the hour's free parking. Definitely worth a letter of complaint, but I fear it's a done deal.