Campaigns [1]: Support from Folkestone and Hythe MP over free on-street parking [2]
Posted by editor on Oct 30, 2011 - 06:50 AM
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Parking
should continue to be free for those who want to visit and shop in our
town centres writes Folkestone and Hythe MP, Damian Collins in the
latest posting on his blog. |
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He
continues: "Free time-limited on-street parking in the centre of
Folkestone, Sandgate, Hythe and New Romney – as it is now, encourages
people to use and support local businesses at a time when they are
recovering from the economic downturn.
"That’s my response to Shepway District Council’s proposed parking
strategy, which sets out plans to introduce varying levels of charges to
free up spaces and encourage greater use of off-street car parks by
lowering the costs of using them.
"Over the last week I have discussed my concerns in detail with the
Leader, Cllr Robert Bliss and other members of Shepway council and they
have assured me that they will be given full and serious consideration
as part of the consultation.
"I believe it is vitally important for our local economy for people to
be able to drive into and park freely on the street in the centre of our
towns, without having to worry about charges and the inconvenience of
getting a ticket.
"The council does need to address the issue of residents being unable to
park close to their homes and to encourage greater turnover of vehicles
in the town centres, but this should not be at the expense of our high
street shops.
"If you need to go into town to quickly pick up some shopping and run a
few errands, then that should be encouraged.
"People are understandably concerned about what some of the unintended
consequences of these proposals might be and I would encourage everyone
to respond by taking part in the public consultation.
"Shepway District Council will be rolling out their public consultation
programme from January, details of which will be announced. If approved
the scheme would be launched in three phases, with the first in
Folkestone from April 2012.
"You can find out more and have your say by visiting
http://www.shepway.gov.uk/content/view/201282/235/
"Local residents who regularly use Shepway’s car parks should also take
advantage of the parking permit that lets you park for up to three hours
a day every day of only £1 per week. Again you can find out more about
this in the parking section of the council’s website."
To read
Damian's blog
click here
Hawkinge Gazette and Channel Coast
News 2011©
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Comments
Regardless of objections, I fear this will happen because it is seen as a cash cow for the Council. I only hope they do in fact reduce charges for the first 2 hrs to make it more appealing to the genuine shopper and tourist.
Long term all day street parking is a different problem , especially in Sandgate and around the stations and hospital. This should be controlled to help the beleagured residents.
In comparison to Folkestone, I recently went to shop in Canterbury and parked in the city centre multi storey for 2 hrs and had access to all the major stores ( which will never return to Folkestone ), for just £1-60. They also only charge for the time spent, not time in advance which is always a nightmare decision. A revelation.
In future, I will take advantage of the Shepway residents parking permit for £52, which is a really good deal overall for local shopping, but do all my major shopping online or at Canterbury.
Asda and Debenhams only charge a nominal amount for online home delivery for as many clothing items you like, whilst the main supermarkets offer free parking or online delivery for the main weeks groceries .... with no parking hassle.
Why should I even consider shopping in Folkestone in the future ?
Quite right.
Shoppers should not have to pay to shop in Folkestone therefore, not only should there be no parking charges for car shoppers but I demand that all who travel to Folkestone by bus to do their shopping should have free bus travel. Fares fair.
My immediate reaction to Eleanor was to ask how she thought that would be paid for.
However on reflection I know that in some enlightened towns, supermarkets and out of town parking schemes do in fact offer a refund on parking charges if the shopper uses certain stores in town.
The same could apply for bus tickets I suppose.
What we actually need is a complete rethink on transport policy, to encourage Park and Ride into Folkestone town centre, reducing the need for parking anyway and even allowing pedestrianisation of the whole of the town centre.
The bus station is ideally placed to act as a transport hub and 1,000 planned new homes on the seafront will need access to the town centre anyway.
As for the rest of Shepway, it should be left to individual areas to make their own parking arrangements to suit. I can't see that Dungeness has the same parking problems as Folkestone or Hythe.
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