Councils warned not to use parking fees to raise revenue

Parking policy should be seen as a way to attract customers to the High Street and keep the heart of communities beating, not simply as a revenue raiser, it was claimed today.

The British Retail Consortium is backing calls for councils to resist trade-killing increases in parking charges and four areas in the UK, including Shrewsbury, were today singled out as areas for concern.

The Federation of Private Businesses has highlighted the town and Burnley, Nottingham and Cornwall as examples of places where substantial parking-charge increases are being introduced or considered.

But Shropshire Council today said the only increase proposed in Shrewsbury was for the all day charge at two car parks.

The BRC says high streets are the heart of local communities - providing jobs and essential services - and a vital part of the private sector growth the wider economy urgently needs.

And it said they should be supported not undermined.

John Hall, chairman of Shop in the Loop which represents town centre traders in Shrewsbury, said he agreed, adding: "We would ask the council to keep charges the same or reduce them but absolutely not to increase them.

"We have to compete with out-of-town retail parks where parking is free.

"I understand councils need to raise cash at the moment but it is hurting trade in the town centre."

The BRC's report "21st Century High Streets: A new vision for our town centres" includes recommendations on parking and access.

But Samantha Tharme, Shropshire Council's principal transport planner, said the only increase proposed in Shrewsbury was the all day charge at two car parks.

She said: "This is designed to encourage people to use Park and Ride or one of the car parks on the edge of town which remain a lower charge.

"Managing the space in the most popular locations is also a key part of charging for parking."

By Emma Kasprzak