Torridge car park fees could rise

By [lchurchill]

TORRIDGE District Council is reviewing its car park charges across the district.

The council, which last increased its charges in 2006, is looking at its pricing scheme which could lead to some increases in March, 2010.

Proposals include an additional 10p increase on the hourly charges at short stay car parks.

The new rate would mean charges of 90p per hour in the main Bideford car parks at Riverbank, Bridge Street, The Quay, The Pill, Manor and the slipway. The same charge would apply during the summer months at Westward Ho!.

These car parks would have options of 30p for 30 minutes compared to the current charge of 30p for 20 minutes.

The 10p increase, which will bring the Torridge rate in line with neighbouring car parks in Barnstaple, would give the council an additional expected income of £39,188.

Long stay car parks across the district would also see a rise in charges.

Car parks at Riverbank, Honestone Street and Clarence Wharf in Bideford; Bone Hill in Northam; Barley Grove, School Lane and Sydney House in Torrington; West Appledore, Churchfields and Odun Road in Appledore; Holsworthy Manor and at Westward Ho! during the winter would go up to 60p per hour.

In these car parks the two-hour charge would be abolished and there would be no change to four-hour, all-day and all-week parking prices which currently stand at £1.50, £2.50 and £15 respectively.

An existing charge of 20p for 20 minutes would be scrapped in favour of 30p for 30 minutes.

The changes for the long stay car parks are expected to bring in an additional £32,410 to the council.

A 3% increase is recommended for business, seasonal and residents permits.

Yearly business permits would be increased by £8 to £258; seasonal tickets would have a £9 rise to £309 and residents would see a £2 jump to £54.

The council's policy, performance and resources committee heard the recommendations for charges and will meet again on Monday, December 7 for further discussions.

In the council's report it states: "The annual review of parking charges has to reconcile the need to generate car park revenue with the often competing demands of business, tourism and more recently the downturn in the economy.

"The main thrust of this review is to consolidate our present position with a view to providing a sustainable and successful customer-focused service."

Since the council's last review of charges in 2006 it has put £1 per day car parks in each of the principle towns; extended 20 minute charging; reduced the cost of season and business tickets; introduced residents' and tourist permits; achieved two safe parking awards and introduced cashless parking.