A recent budget meeting has sparked discussions regarding the revised car parking fees in Oswestry. With the new financial year commencing on April 1, the Oswestry Town Council (OTC) has approved significant amendments to parking charges, which are set to take effect shortly.
Overview of New Oswestry Car Park Fees
OTC manages three key parking areas in the town center: Central, Smithfield Street, and Horsemarket. Members agreed to a 20 percent increase in parking charges, which will now be applicable from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Additionally, an overnight parking fee of £1.20 has been introduced.
Rationale Behind the Changes
Councillor James Owen of the Liberal Democrats, who advocated for the fee adjustments, highlighted that these changes will synchronize Oswestry’s parking costs with those for Sundays and bank holidays. The new overnight charge will apply from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m., aligning with similar pricing practices in other regions.
- New parking charge: £1.20 overnight
- Increased charges: 20% raise
- Active hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Concerns Over Extended Charges
However, these changes have raised concerns among some council members. Councillor Duncan Kerr of the Greens cautioned that extending parking fees until 8 p.m. could adversely affect local businesses, including pubs, restaurants, and community centers. He noted that the increased charges could hinder evening patrons, creating financial burdens for venues like the Memorial Hall.
For instance, parking from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. will now cost £2.40, as opposed to just £2 during day hours. Councillor Kerr expressed concern for users who currently find affordable parking essential for attending events at local facilities.
Impact on Oswestry’s Night-Time Economy
Councillor Kerr emphasized that among all Shropshire Council-operated car parks, only one currently charges for overnight parking, indicating a discrepancy that could put Oswestry at a competitive disadvantage compared to similarly-sized towns. He asserted that the emerging fee structure could potentially threaten the viability of the town’s night-time economy.
Call to Reassess Parking Charges
As per the standing order rules, council agenda items are off-limits for discussion six months after a vote. Yet, Councillor Kerr is urging a review of this rule, aiming to reassess the new car park charges at a council meeting scheduled for Wednesday, February 11.
With increasing concerns over the financial implications of these changes, local policymakers are encouraged to heed these discussions to mitigate adverse effects on the community. Oswestry’s council will need to carefully consider the balance between necessary revenue and support for local businesses.
