Raising parking charges 'a welcome move'

21/08/2008

Local government minister John Healey's suggestion that councils should charge more for parking has been welcomed by the Environmental Transport Association.

Earlier this week Mr Healey urged local authorities to increase charges, claiming that it could help to reduce congestion.

Andrew Davis, director of the Environmental Transport Association, said the organisation's research had revealed that parking is often subsidised and the land would be "worth more if it was used for something else".

"Local businesses often object to parking charges, but the car park that is constantly full because it is too cheap is not bringing custom to local shops," he stated.

However, aside from raising the overall cost of motoring for car insurance customers, one business expert suggested the move would have a damaging effect on town centres.

John Wright, national chairman of the Federation of Small Businesses, said "excessive" parking charges are "killing town centres", the Daily Telegraph reports.

"One of the most important aspects of this is to encourage people to use the high street, a lot of businesses rely on passing trade but which customer is going to pay parking charges if they just wish to call in for a bottle of milk at a local high street shop," he remarked.

Mr Healey claimed just one in five councils were making full use of their power to charge for services such as parking, the newspaper noted.

Higher parking and congestion fees may not be welcomed by motorists who are already balancing the costs of road tax and car insurance.

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