Motion on reduction in car parking charges defeated (From Bromsgrove Advertiser)

Motion on reduction in car parking charges defeated

12:00pm Friday 28th September 2012 in Local

BROMSGROVE councillors have thrown out a motion calling for a reduction in car parking charges and a low cost resident’s parking permit for town centre car parks.

Proposed by Labour councillor for Whitford, Councillor Luke Mallett, the motion was put to members at the latest meeting of the full council, held at the Council House on Wednesday, (September 26).

The motion asked for the council to consider controlled free parking, significant price reductions and a low cost permit on the town’s council-owned car parks.

Introducing the motion, Coun Mallett said he believed Bromsgrove town centre was in a vicious cycle, with shops closing, car parks usage reducing and parking costs rising, leading to more people not using the car parks and more shops closing.

“It is a downward spiral, a downward plunge,” he said.

He argued the motion was an opportunity for the council to get more people into the town, support local businesses and boost the local economy.

But Councillor Mike Webb, (Con-Norton), whose portfolio includes car parking, said the motion had been put forward on the back of a full review into car parking already underway.

Car parking charges were not the main issue, he argued, stressing there were other factors that could have led to a reduction in footfall.

He said members should have the full facts, following the full review, before making any decision on the issue.

Conservative councillor Kit Taylor called car parking an irrelevance - pointing out people would not shop in the High Street when they are cold and miserable, buying online instead.

Opposition leader, Labour councillor Peter McDonald accused the Conservative councillors of having their heads in the sand on the issue.

A vote was taken and the motion was defeated.