Council backs down over small number of planned parking charge hikes
Shropshire Council has backed down over some of its controversial planned hikes to parking charges in Shrewsbury.
The authority has faced considerable criticism over the changes, with Shrewsbury's Business Improvement District (BID) warning the plans could cost the town up to £7m a year.
A petition opposing the hikes has been signed by more than 3,500 people, while one of the town's most long-standing and respected businesses, Tanners Wines, said the impact of the costs on its staff could lead it to reconsider its base in the town.
Now the council has published changes to the proposal – but it is yet to be seen if they are enough to address the concerns raised by the BID.
The changes include reductions to the hourly increase planned at Abbey Foregate, changes to proposed evening charges and Sunday plans, as well as an increase for Raven Meadows multi-storey.
The planned hike for season tickets at Abbey Foregate has also been reduced.
But, there has been no change to prices for Frankwell, where the hourly rate will still rise from 80 to £1.20, and the yearly permit will go up from £640 to £960.
