Key Takeaways
- The introduction of car parking charges on local streets in Clevedon, Somerset, has sparked concern among traders on Hill Road, who fear it will deter customers and harm their businesses.
- The council’s proposal includes giving drivers 30 minutes of free parking, before charging £1.50 for a one-hour stay, £2.50 for two hours, and £3 for the maximum three-hour stay.
- Traders argue that even nominal fees could deter visitors, and that the council’s plans are "shortsighted" and could lead to a decline in footfall and trade.
- The council claims that the introduction of parking charges will create "well-managed and well-maintained parking facilities" that "support local economies" and respond to the challenges of the climate crisis.
Introduction to the Issue
The festive season is in full swing in Clevedon, Somerset, with the town’s independent stores, cafes, and restaurants on Hill Road hoping to capitalize on the crucial pre-Christmas period. However, traders are looking ahead to the new year with concern after proposals by North Somerset council to introduce car parking charges on local streets. The council’s plans have sparked fears that customers will be deterred if they have to pay to park, which could reduce footfall, hit trade, and even threaten the livelihoods of local business owners.
The Impact on Local Businesses
Sandy Prater, the owner of Fizz gallery, which has recently celebrated its 20th anniversary on Hill Road, says that the council’s introduction of parking charges in neighboring Nailsea in the summer has already had a worrying impact on local businesses. Prater argues that the eclectic mix of independents on Hill Road is what makes the street so popular with locals and visitors, and that the introduction of parking charges could be the final straw for some businesses. Devvon Wilsher-Day, the owner of So Gorgeous Bridal, a bridal shop on Hill Road, agrees that the current parking rules suit her customers, who often come for two-hour appointments to try on wedding dresses.
The Council’s Proposal
The council is proposing to give drivers 30 minutes of free parking, before charging £1.50 for a one-hour stay, £2.50 for two hours, and £3 for the maximum three-hour stay. The charges would be in operation from 9am to 6pm, Monday to Saturday. The council claims that the introduction of parking charges will create "well-managed and well-maintained parking facilities" that "support local economies" and respond to the challenges of the climate crisis. However, traders argue that even nominal fees could deter visitors, and that the council’s plans are "shortsighted" and could lead to a decline in footfall and trade.
The Potential Consequences
David Sims, who owns the independent bookshop Books on the Hill, says that customers will drive instead to the large Cribbs Causeway out-of-town shopping centre and retail park about 15 miles up the road, where parking is free, or shop online. Sims and other traders worry that the introduction of parking charges will have a negative impact on the local economy, and that the council’s plans are not taking into account the unique characteristics of Hill Road. The council’s proposal has also sparked opposition from the town council, with the chair of Clevedon town council, Chris Blades, saying that the town council is "vehemently opposed" to the plans.
The Council’s Response
A spokesperson for North Somerset council said that the introduction of parking charges had been "subject to extensive engagement with the public" and that the council had considered "all views given", resulting in a lower tariff being proposed for Hill Road than elsewhere. The spokesperson also pointed to the success of the introduction of parking charges in Nailsea, where over 36,000 tickets have been sold since the charges were introduced, and ticket data shows a month-on-month increase in car park use during that time. However, traders remain unconvinced, and the issue is likely to continue to be a topic of debate in the coming months.
The Wider Implications
The introduction of car parking charges on local streets in Clevedon is not an isolated issue, but rather part of a wider trend of cash-strapped councils looking to introduce or increase parking charges to boost their income. This trend has been greeted with dismay by traders from St Albans to Surrey and Shropshire, who argue that parking charges will deter customers and harm local businesses. As the debate over the introduction of parking charges in Clevedon continues, it remains to be seen whether the council will reconsider its plans, or whether the traders will be able to find a way to mitigate the impact of the charges on their businesses. One thing is certain, however: the outcome of this debate will have significant implications for the future of Hill Road and the local economy in Clevedon.
