New bid made to keep Wansbeck free parking

Posted by The Journal on Nov 20, 09 09:58 AM in News

Action taken to reduce the impact of car parking charges on recession-hit town centres across England has been seized on by campaigners fighting to retain free parking in part of Northumberland.

Labour MPs Ronnie Campbell and Denis Murphy are battling to ensure a wide-ranging review of parking strategy by the county council does not result in the imposition of charges in towns such as Blyth, Cramlington, Ashington, Bedlington and Newbiggin.

Paying to park in Morpeth

Now Mr Campbell is holding up the actions of councils in other parts of the country as evidence that charging has a damaging effect on the local economy and traders.

He says in recent months, parking charges have been reduced - or measures taken to ease their impact on the town centre - in Southampton, Swindon, York, Mansfield, Colchester and Plymouth.

Mr Campbell, who has collected more than 7,000 signatures on a petition to retain free parking in south east Northumberland, says this shows it would be foolhardy to consider bringing in charges here.

Despite Northumberland now being one unitary authority, motorists can park for free in Blyth Valley and Wansbeck while having to pay as much as ÃÂ£1.10 an hour in towns like Berwick, Seahouses, Alnwick, Morpeth and Hexham.

Morpeth chamber of trade has launched its own campaign for a 'level playing field' on charging in the interests of fairness - which would effectively signal the end of free parking in the county.

Yesterday Mr Campbell said: "I have argued long and hard against any imposition of car parking charges in Blyth Valley, not just to have a kick at the opposition group at County hall but because I genuinely believe it will be a death knell for local traders.

"The fact other major towns and cities with retail centres are cutting the charges is evidence that charging does have an impact on local traders. With the Metro Centre just down the road, anyone who has access to a car, and even those who rely on public transport, can take their money elsewhere."

Mr Campbell believes the county council will consider phasing in charges by first introducing them in the car parks along Blyth Valley's popular Links.

Coun Andrew Tebbutt, Liberal Democrat executive member for corporate services, said there are no specific plans to introduce car parking charges in south east Northumberland, including Blyth Valley's Links.

"The review is ongoing and no decisions have been made. We have got a whole range of issues to look at, including permits, seasonal parking along the coastline and the very important matter of our proposals to take over control of on-street parking management," he added.

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