Published: Wednesday, 25th June, 2008 12:00
Charges 'will kill Woodley'
By James Kell
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TRADERS fear councillors will “kill Woodley” if they approve another parking charge increase tonight (Thursday)
Wokingham Borough Council’s decision-making executive is conducting a review of car park charges but shopkeepers are warning any rise will drive shoppers away.
There are two options on the table.
The council will consider increasing charges for one-hour parking at Headley Road by 16.7% (from 60p to 70p) and leave other hourly rates unchanged.
A second option would see the same rise in the one-hour rate, coupled with a 20% hike for two hours (from £1 to £1.20) – with the introduction of a 50p half hour quick-stop charge.
At Chapter One Bookshop in Woodley Precinct, assistant Val Coote said: “If charges go up again, it will kill Woodley. It’s already had an effect because people are driving to Sainsbury’s. They’d rather spend on the extra petrol and not pay for parking.”
Val, who has worked in various shops in Woodley town centre for more than 20 years, said: “For years there was no parking charge, and since they introduced it, it’s just gone up and up.”
Chapter One owner Mary Baker added: “People pay the minimum amount possible to park which means they won’t browse, whereas in the past they could go around several shops and not have to worry. So shops are really going to miss out if it goes up again.”
Parking at Headley Road ahead of a shopping trip, Woodley resident Lucy Davis told the Chronicle: “I think it’s increased so much it’s ridiculous. What do the council do with the money? It should be spent on improving Woodley town centre.
“People will just park and spend their money somewhere else.”
But Lita Tuggey, from Shinfield, said: “I come here a couple of times a week and I think it’s good value for money, certainly compared with car parks in Reading. I don’t think you would get much cheaper elsewhere.”
The report being considered tonight also recommends an annual review of parking charges to ensure fees stay in line with the cost of running car parks.
Cllr Keith Baker, executive member for highways and transport, said: “We don’t want to increase car parking charges, but unfortunately the cost of running the service goes up every year. When you look at what the proposed figures mean, it’s actually a 10p rise on the one-hour rate at Headley Road.
“That rate hasn’t gone up for two years so effectively it’s a rise of 5p a year. I think that’s reasonable. The last time prices went up, in autumn 2006, it was horrendous, it was vicious, but it was essential because prices hadn’t risen for six or seven years before that. Now the aim is to hold these prices for two years and then look to a similar rise to the one we’re talking about now.”
Lib Dem town councillor Phil Challis, who represents Loddon ward on the borough council, said: “It is important that we maintain a thriving town centre so that residents can shop locally and avoid the need to use their cars for longer journeys to Reading or Bracknell.
“During the election campaign my proposal for 30-minute free parking in the town centre was supported by many residents and I think it can be achieved with a low impact on council revenue.”
Current charges at Headley Road Car Park:
One hour – 60p;
Two hours – £1;
Four hours – £1.80;
Six hours – £2.50;
10 hours – £3.20.
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