Shoppers put off by Shrewsbury parking charges hike

Shoppers in Shrewsbury town centre are rushing back to their cars amid fears they will be slapped with a parking fine after charges were hiked, business leaders claimed today.

Officials said some shops were reporting a fall in sales since Shropshire Council introduced the higher charges last month, because shoppers were worried they would run out of time.

Simon Airey, president of Shrewsbury Business Chamber, said: "I've got concerns about the increased parking charges and that it was bad timing."

John Hall, chairman of Shop in the Loop, said: "Part of the problem is that out-of-town parking is invariably free. It's a disincentive to coming into town."

Samantha Tharme, Shropshire Council's team leader for traffic and transport studies, said: "The majority of car parking charges in Shrewsbury have gone up only by the agreed inflationary amount and the revenue generated by this is ploughed back into providing essential services across the county. We have removed charges after 6pm, and charges for coaches to encourage tourist stops. Also, we continue to provide a frequent, low cost Park and Ride service."