The new parking charges went live on Monday (May 19)
(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
New parking charges for 22 council-owned car parks across South Gloucestershire came into effect on Monday (May 19).
The charges will be applicable between 8am and 6pm, from Monday to Saturday, with parking remaining free on Sundays and Bank Holidays, excluding Park and Ride and train station car parks. But some Bristol Live readers are unhappy at the new charges.
The local authority has stated that at least ten per cent of spaces in short stay car parks where charging will be introduced will remain free for 30-minute stays.
Motorists will then be charged 70p for the first hour in short-stay car parks. In these short-stay car parks, drivers will be charged £1.30 for up to two hours, £3 for up to three hours and stays up to four hours will now cost £5.
Disabled Blue Badge holders will be able to park in any space for free, up to four hours. They will then be charged £1 for up to six hours and anything over six hours will cost £2. A weekly parking ticket will cost £8.
Drivers will have the option to use the MiPermit app on their smart phones; ‘tap and go’ with their payment card or smartphones using the machines; and for those who don’t want to make a contactless payment with their card or phone, they can make a phone call and pay by card.
Monitoring of parking in surrounding streets will be carried out after the scheme has been introduced, and the council has said it plans to work with residents to identify the best ways to mitigate any changes to parking patterns locally.
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Cabinet member for communities and local place Cllr Sean Rhodes commented, “The scheme we are introducing is simple and relatively cheap compared to neighbouring authorities.”
Commenter Kolina says: “Just another way to take our money.”
Glyn Kroy agrees: “Another nail in the coffin for the local traders there.”
Delboy51 states: “I know that as soon as these carpark fees come in, I won’t be going to staple hill or Kingswood shopping. I will start to shop at Emerson’s where it’s free to park for uptown 3 hours.
“That’s what people should do and perhaps the council will see sense and revert back to free parking.”
Bob Fox replies: “This is so sad for businesses in the areas concerned. We live in Redfield, Bristol. We often travel to South Gloucestershire, mainly Kingswood or Hanham, because we can park free, unlike Bristol.
“We won’t be bothering anymore, what’s the point? Not only that, but we have Avonmeads and Eastgate Shopping Centres, far closer, and easier to park, all free. Oh, I forgot, Longwell Green Shopping Centre, that’s free as well. There’s no incentive to shop in Kingswood for so many now, I’m sure.”
MaddDogg asks: “Why do people feel entitled to park on land for free?”
TomPetty replies: “It’s not ‘for free’. A part of the Council’s responsibility is to provide infrastructure such as parking facilities for short stays in and around the high street.
“We pay thousands to S Glos in Council Tax. They shouldn’t be looking to monetise every last little thing. Pure greed by S Glos Council. Give it 12 months and they will be moaning about the lack of footfall on local high streets and having to spend money on schemes and incentives to try to get people back. They are so short sighted.”
Jubblyone4 adds: “Why shouldn’t it be free? It’s a way of encouraging shoppers to come to a location and spend their money. Also, having paid VED, fuel tax, insurance, insurance premium tax etc most motorists feel like they have already paid enough without being fleeced once again.”
Thinksclearzooms points out: “You’re not paying for it AGAIN; you will be paying for the convenience of parking your car on council property – paying for a service, not the capital investment. It is quite possible that council tax payers who don’t drive will object to subsidising car parks that motorists can use.”
Terryst thinks: “Motorists will look for somewhere else to park. Even if it’s outside someone’s driveway.”
Tristonian agrees: “I used to park in a car park right behind my local gym 3 times a week. That would now cost me over £400 a year. No chance. I’ll be parking on a residential street instead. Sorry local residents.”
Somersetjon writes: “In Wales you don’t have to pay to park in car parks like this, or prescriptions.”
Keith Clements suggests: “Want to avoid the car parking charges? Why not walk, cycle, or go by bus or train?”
Will the new parking charges kill off the small businesses in the area or will the charges mean more people walk or cycle? Have your say in our comments section.