Ernie Clark. Hilperton Division, Wiltshire Council.

WC asks Government to give up money it charges for car parks.

As part of its review into the county’s car parking service, Wiltshire Council has asked the Government to consider giving up the rates they charge on car parks so residents can pay less to use them.

Currently, the Government charges Wiltshire Council £847,000 a year in Non Domestic Rates for its car parks, a cost that is entirely paid for by car park users. If the Government agrees to this request the savings will be passed onto the public and will allow for parking charges to be reduced.

John Thomson, in his role as Wiltshire Council cabinet member for highways and transport has written to Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, Eric Pickles MP to make the request.

Wiltshire Council’s car parking consultation launched on October 27 and the outcome could see a move away from the current charging for parking based on four bands. Options have been presented based on individual car parks or town assessments.

These options use factors such as usage of car parks, location, as well as looking at the wider economic and environmental issues. This approach gives the council greater ability to manage local car parking demand and supply.

The review also looks at a number of charging options, including first hour free parking, free after 4pm, Sunday charges, or evening charges as tools to enhance local communities’ ability to use their local services.

The consultation is taking place in two stages.

On October 27 the strategy document and 14 town profiles were available for people to comment on and on Monday (November 10) the survey and charging summary will go live. The consultation will remain open until January 16, 2015.

The consultation can be found at http://consult.wiltshire.gov.uk/portal