New parking charges are a 'positive move' say highways chiefs

Controversial system will 'benefit traders'

NEW town centre parking charges are a “positive move” for shopkeepers, a highways chief insisted this week.

But West Berkshire’s executive member for highways and transport, Garth Simpson (Con, Cold Ash), conceded there may have been “initial confusion” over the half-hour free parking concession.

As previously reported by the Newbury Weekly News, charges are now in operation seven days a week in Northbrook Street (five bays either side of Albert Road), Bartholomew Street (20 bays), Cheap Street, Broadway (three bays by the Clock Tower) and Kings Road West (18 bays).

But some traders reacted with fury, claiming the bays – and their stores – were largely empty.

And Kings Road West residents found it almost impossible to park outside their own homes due to the new restrictions introduced on September 21.

One resident, Rob Boreham-Fish, said: “We are very unhappy with the council as we have previously been able to park in the 18 spaces along Kings Road West with our C1 permit.

“We are now only able to use the eight spaces on Kings Road West, but also have to compete with shoppers using the spaces for free.”

He added: “It is extremely frustrating, especially when we see the 18 spaces empty and we are unable to use them.”

Mr Simpson said this week: “Thirty minutes’ free parking is still on offer for shoppers visiting Newbury town centre following the introduction of parking charges on five streets in Newbury.

“Anyone who wants to park for half an hour can continue to park for free on Bartholomew Street, Northbrook Street, Cheap Street, Broadway and Kings Road West.”

Mr Simpson insisted: “The decision to bring in these changes was made to benefit local businesses.

“It allows shoppers to pop into town while continuing to park for free, but gives those who need a little longer, perhaps for a haircut or a visit to an estate agent, the time they need at a small cost to them.

“We believe that this is a positive move for both shoppers and traders.”

He added: “The introduction of parking meters on the affected streets has led to some confusion, but the free parking remains, although a free ticket will still need to be obtained from the machine or by registering on a mobile phone by following instructions on roadside signs.”

Mr Simpson claimed that legislation had prevented giving tariff details of the free periods on the white and black signs.

But he added: “Additional signage is now in place to provide reassurance.”

The parking restrictions apply only between 8am and 6pm with local residents able to use those spaces outside of those hours.