Drop in trade forces parking review (From Croydon Guardian)

Drop in trade forces parking review

9:44am Friday 11th April 2003 in

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The council is developing a new pricing policy for on and off street parking in the borough in response to complaints and falling shopper numbers in Croydon.

The Croydon Guardian revealed in February that Croydon's cabinet member for highways, transport and public services councillor Gerry Ryan would bring forward a review of the parking strategy due to widespread discontent over the new charges.

A 300,000 fall in town centre footfall figures for June to December 2002 and estimates of as much as £35million lost in retail trade, also prompted the early review.

Now the council says it is analysing the business and financial effects of its current policy; developing different tariffs to maximise revenue and usage; and reviewing the wider effects of parking costs on the local economy and community.

Coun Ryan said: "We've set ourselves a tough target. We don't want to price customers out of Croydon, nor do we want to promote unrestrained use of cars. We have to keep in mind the most effective way of making space available for people who want to spend money in Croydon."

The council hopes to have some recommendations drawn up for implementation by the time the new Centrale shopping centre opens this summer.

"We are examining Croydon's pricing structure in comparison to other retail centres and I hope we can reach a conclusion that will be widely appreciated and understood."

Coun Ryan is meeting members of the Croydon Chamber of Commerce next Friday, April 11, to discuss the effects on local business.

Chamber CEO Angelina Purcell said: "He's coming as a direct response to complaints we have received about the effects of the parking policy on our members."

# The Association of London Government has announced an increase in the cost of parking fines from April 1. Drivers who park illegally and cause added delays on already busy roads, face fines of up to £100. The first increase since 1998 is designed to deter illegal parking in areas such as bus lanes or on double yellow lines.