Traders angry over scrapping of free car parking

The scrapping of free car parking in a city could "really harm" shops and businesses, traders have warned.

Two hours of free parking at 17 car parks in Bitterne, Portswood, Shirley and Woolston is due to end on 1 April in a move which Southampton City Council said would raise more than £500,000.

The plan is being reviewed by Southampton City Council's scrutiny management committee later.

Paul Dumper, of the Woolston Traders group, said it would "drastically reduce" footfall for nearby shops and businesses.

The change to parking tariffs and charging hours were approved by Labour cabinet members last month.

New rates would be in force seven days a week from 08:00 to 20:00, removing the two-hour free option.

A public consultation attracted 2,000 objections, which made up 98% of the responses.

Mr Dumper, who runs an arts and crafts studio and shop in Woolston, said the free parking at the nearby Woodley Road car park was "vitally important".

"Any change is going to change people's mindsets. Instead of nipping in to the shops - it could drastically change footfall.

"The traders are all against it – this area is full of independents. It's going to potentially really harm businesses," he said.

Among the regular users of the car park are members of the Victoria Road Gardeners group who volunteer to improve the area's flower beds and verges.

Lyn Cox of the group said ending free parking was "absolutely crazy".

"They don't understand what small communities are all about. It's a money making exercise – it will flatten a very nice community that is thriving," she added.

Liberal Democrat group leader Richard Blackman and Conservative member Rob Stead requested the decision be called in for review by the scrutiny committee.

They said the consultation had shown "overwhelming public opposition" to the plans.

"The economic and financial impact on the district centres and the businesses within them has not been calculated and thus represents a significant risk to the vitality of these districts and the viability of businesses," they said.

Speaking at January's cabinet meeting, member for environment and transport Councillor Eamonn Keogh said feedback had led to the charging hours being reduced in the evenings.

He said the tariffs were lower than those imposed by neighbouring councils and money raised would support a range of transport programmes.

The cabinet also promised to review the impact of the changes.

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