Reaction to new charges is mixed

BUSINESS owners in Tiverton are hoping to see a boost in trade from a new car parking tariff in Westexe.

A three-month trial offering short-stay shoppers a chance to pay to park for half an hour began in the Westexe South car park on August 13. Mid Devon District Council, which operates the car park, introduced it as part of its efforts to support businesses and tourism in the town.

Traders had argued that the flat charge of 70p to park for a whole hour in the car park was encouraging motorists wishing to visit several businesses to take their custom elsewhere.

It is now almost 12 months since the group of Westexe traders circulated a petition calling for a review of charges in the car park, gaining 1,255 signatures of support in a week.

The petition was handed over at a meeting of the council last September and councillors agreed to examine the issue.

The new tariff will let shoppers park for 30 minutes for 40p, and will apply only at this car park for three months. At the end of the trial the council says results will be send to members for their consideration of whether to make a permanent change.

Philippa Grainger, who sells mobility aids from her Easy Life shop, said: “It is not exactly what we asked for. We were hoping the council would make it 20p to park for half an hour, but it is better than people having to pay 70p for a full hour. It feels like we are getting somewhere.”

But Glen Davey, who runs a computer shop in Westexe, described it as a “crying shame”.

He said: “If someone parks for half an hour, they pay 40p, and if they have to go back for whatever reason and put another 30 minutes on, it will cost them 80p — 10p more than if they just bought a normal hour ticket.

“It is like one step forward, two steps back. It’s disappointing because we have been fighting for something for 12 months and this isn’t going to help, as customers will still resort to parking on double yellow lines.”

Ivan Davis, from Ken Davis Auto Supplies Centre, said: “We will have to see how the new rates are received, but I am staying optimistic. Certainly, I am in favour of lower charges or even offering the first 15 minutes of parking for free.”

Maria Cheatle, who runs a hairdressers in Westexe, was keen to make sure customers were aware of the trial period and would make use of the new rate.

Ray Radford, portfolio holder for street scene with Mid Devon District Council said implementing the trial had been somewhat delayed but councillors would closely monitor its findings in determining future policy.