Businesses urge council not to hike parking prices again

9:55am Friday 23rd January 2004

Businesses in Croydon have called on the council to think of them before increasing parking charges in the town.

The council is looking at raising the hourly parking fees in its car parks after an 18-month price freeze.

It says the increase in charges is needed if it is to upgrade, maintain and manage the town centre's car parks.

But the news has sparked concern among the business community, which believes any increase in parking will drive away customers and force some businesses to close down.

Croydon Chamber of Commerce held a meeting between parking officials and local businesses on Monday so members could air their views.

Angelina Purcell, chief executive of Croydon Chamber of Commerce, said: "Members are worried about an increase in parking rates.

A lot of restaurants reported they were having problems, with the cost of parking ruining their customers' night out.

"One member said that at least six restaurants in South Croydon were considering having to close down or relocate because of the charges.

"One of my members asked the council if they would think about doing something radical, and to stop using parking as a cash cow and put the business community first." Restaurateur Costas Salacuri, who runs Aphrodite Greek Taverna in the High Street, told the Guardian his business was being damaged by the already high parking charges.

He said: "Of course the parking is driving away customers. It's hitting restaurants very hard.

"I pay rates yet I can't have a parking permit, so I have to walk a long way at night to pick up my car."

He added he had asked the council for a permit.

A council spokesman said: "Initial proposals are currently being developed by officers and it's intended that a new fee structure will be in place for April.

"It would be premature to give figures at this point."