PAY and display meters may be introduced in Bridgnorth to free up short-term town centre parking for visitors. The scheme would be based on ‘red’ charging zones and free ‘blue’ zones for residents in surrounding areas which already operate in Ludlow.
Councillor Martin Taylor-Smith, Shropshire Council’s portfolio holder for strategic planning and transport, said this week that proposals being drawn up at Shirehall would go to consultation to allow the public and organisations to comment. The scheme at Ludlow lets residents buy up to two permits which allow free parking without time restrictions. Each permit holder can park one of two vehicles, the registrations of which are shown on the permit. The permits cost about £50 a year.
A permit scheme currently operates in some Bridgnorth streets. The move comes as some town centre business bosses reacted with shock to read about a rise from £2.50 to £5.50 from April 1 for a working week’s charge for the Smithfield.
“I am able to walk to work, but many people who work in this building come from outside the town and have to use their car,” said High Street financial adviser John Cannaby. “It is totally wrong – staff will expect more wages and the town is suffering from lack of trade and this can only go against it,” he said.
Councillor Taylor-Smith urged employees to consider buying a year-long season ticket – this has gone up from £180 to £203 – which he explained was a cheaper option than buying weekly tickets. “There are a hotch-potch of charges across the county and we are trying to level things out,” he said.
