Wiltshire Council is reminding residents and business there are just a few days left to have their say in a comprehensive review of car parking across the county.
So far more than 4,100 responses have been submitted by the public as part of a consultation about the council’s car parking policy.
The outcome could see a move away from the current charging for parking based on four bands, to options based on individual car parks or town assessments.
These options will use factors such as usage of car parks and location, as well as looking at the wider economic and environmental issues. This approach gives the council greater ability to manage car parking demand and supply.
The review will also consider a number of charging options, including first hour free parking, free after 4.00pm, Sunday charges, or evening charges as tools to enhance local communities’ ability to use their local services.
The deadline for public consultation is 5.00pm on Monday 19th January.
John Thomson, deputy leader and cabinet member responsible for sustainable transport said, “We are delighted with the response so far. It is encouraging that so many people have taken part in the consultation.
“No decisions on the future of car parking in Wiltshire will be made until all of the results of the consultation are in and analysed, which is why it is vitally important that we get as much feedback as possible from residents, local business and organisations.
“It is possible that some people have planned to take part in the consultation, but have not yet had the time due to Christmas. I would urge them to set aside a few minutes this week or at the weekend, before the deadline expires.
“We want to find the right balance between encouraging people to shop and work locally, the cost of running car parks, and the environmental impact. It’s important that nobody misses out on the chance to have their say.”
All documentation about the car parking review is available to see at consult.wiltshire. gov.uk/portal.
Free parking trial
In November Wiltshire Council announced that a major parking review would be carried out across the county – with a trial free hour of parking in Westbury.
Wiltshire Council hoped to find out if it would be financial viable to reinstate the free parking option in the town. Since charges were introduced in 2011 they have been blamed for dwindling numbers of people shopping in the town and the council was keen to see if the free hour incentive would entice people back into the town. The trial in Westbury ended on December 31st but as part of the review, a consultation opened countywide to see what changes people thought needed to be carried out.
The consultation closes on 19th January and it is expected that the review could shape the future of parking in Wiltshire and Westbury.
Westbury resident Peter Watkins has voiced his opinion saying, “Parking should be free for one hour and should not have been taken away. Shops in Westbury have suffered losses due to parking charges as people now go out of town. It is time to show support for our town before it disappears completely.”
You can get involved with the review online at http://consult.wiltshire.gov.uk/portal by emailing transportplanning@wiltshire.gov.uk, or by calling 01225 713458.
