Ernie Clark. Hilperton Division, Wiltshire Council.

WC to 'consult' on car parking charges

Wiltshire Council needs to raise car parking charges across the county as part of the (so called) 'harmonisation programme'. However, before it can do so it has to 'consult' the public.

The council seems to be attempting to slip awareness of the consultation 'under the radar' by holding it during the summer and with only two ways for people to respond - online or by getting a form from a WC library.

The council commissioned its consultants Mouchel to undertake a review of charges and their main report includes chapters on parking policies, parking charges, residents' parking zones and parking standards.

Proposals include charging for Sunday parking in the towns, introducing charges where parking is currently free, and increasing the basic charges by a considerable sum.

Comments can be submitted here.

Alternatively, comments can be emailed to transportplanning@wiltshire.gov.uk or in writing to: Sustainable Transport Group, Wiltshire Council, County Hall, Trowbridge, Wiltshire BA14 8JD.

Paper copies of the questionnaire and a reference copy of Mouchel's main and technical report are available from all libraries.

The consultation is open now and runs until the 3rd of September.

The council will feedback to Area Boards between late September and mid November prior to a formal decision being made by the WC Cabinet in December. Any changes to parking charges and standards will be implemented from the beginning of April 2011.