Telford or Shrewsbury shopping choice 'down to shops not parking charges'

But, the council was required to carry out a formal consultation with the public on the plans, and it has now delivered its response to those who took part.

A report to be considered by the authority's cabinet next week reveals that there were 334 objections to the changes, with respondents giving a number of reasons for their concerns.

The criticisms have been bracketed into 16 separate categories, with the council saying it only agrees to make changes in one of those areas.

The one aspect which will change comes due to concerns about the impact on Shrewsbury's night-time economy, both for workers and visitors.

It will see the £1 evening charge for parking at Abbey Foregate and St Julians Friars removed.

However, the remaining criticisms have been rejected.

They include worries about the increase being 'above inflation', to 'generate revenue', 'deterring shoppers', that it will 'harm the economy', and lead people to go to 'other towns'.

The report includes a number of responses to those criticisms, including worries that people may go to Chester or Telford instead of Shrewsbury due to the increased charges.

The council rejects those suggestions saying parking charges are unlikely to be the main reason for choosing Chester or Hereford - and that any choice between Telford and Shrewsbury is down to 'different types of shopping experience'.

It says: "We have no data to indicate how many people already choose to visit Chester or Hereford rather than Shrewsbury, so no measurement of change can be made, but it probably already happens and parking costs are likely to be subservient to other travel costs, the trip objectives and perceived ease of travel and parking.

"Telford, in terms of character, is totally different to Shrewsbury, Chester and Hereford. It is a New Town and was built to accommodate and facilitate the car, including extensive parking provision.

"It has little, if any, history in the town centre. Ironbridge is several miles away and must be considered as a separate entity/destination.

"Its shopping is based around an extensive shopping centre which has been purpose designed and includes many national chain stores and few independents.

"The choice between Telford or Shrewsbury is mainly down to the choice between different types of shopping experience, which neither town can fundamentally change or overcome."

The report also says the actual increases for people visiting Shrewsbury are a "very small percentage".

It adds: "Those who continue to use central car parks in Shrewsbury will incur an additional charge of £0.80/£1.60, for a one/two hour visit (which are the most popular durations).

"When this is compared with the potential cost of purchases it is a very small percentage and is likely to be overcome by the range of shops available, particularly by the number of independent retailers and eateries."

It also says that even if some shoppers stop visiting in 'protest' the change in behaviour could achieve the council's aim of persuading people to use other modes of transport to get into the town centre.

The report says: "Shrewsbury is an attractive place with multiple and varied reasons to visit, shop and work, which can be combined.

"Many people are expected to stay or return after a short ‘protest’, some will do so in their vehicles but for some it will achieve an on-going change in their travel mode. At which point a useful reduction remains."

Reacting to the consultation responses Councillor Dan Morris, the authority's cabinet member for Highways, said the council had been moved to address issues which could affect night time workers, and the evening economy of Shrewsbury.

He said: "In July and August the Council consulted on changes to parking tariffs and regulations. Numerous objections were received and will be considered by Cabinet on 4 December.

"Additional costs for employees, who do not have the option of buses or Park and Ride, are detrimental to the evening economy, and could affect people socialising in the town.

"In response to these objections, Cabinet is recommended to keep St Julians Friars and Abbey Foregate free of charge, providing an alternative to payment and potentially reducing vehicles in the town centre."

The report will be considered by the council's cabinet on Wednesday, December 4.