Dorchester traders hit out at 'crazy' new parking charges (From Dorset Echo)

Dorchester traders hit out at 'crazy' new parking charges

11:00am Friday 31st July 2009

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NEW parking charges are to come into force in Dorchester tomorrow despite protests from shopkeepers and arts lovers.

The pay and display scheme covering 263 spaces will begin in the town centre with a maximum of a one hour stay.

The move comes despite concerns from shopkeepers and Dorchester Arts Centre.

Chairman of Dorchester Arts Centre Alastair Nisbet said: “I am concerned. It is imposing, effectively, a parking tax on our users and is only going to make life more difficult.

“I am very unhappy about the situation.

“The scheme is being sold as being about making our town a better place but it is just an exercise in raising a lot of money.”

Pay and display is being introduced in the arts centre’s road, the Grove. Mr Nisbet is concerned that the charges will affect people attending performances as well as motorists picking up and dropping people off.

The new pay and display scheme will involve 26 solar powered ticket machines being fitted in and around the town centre.

It is estimated that it is costing £85,644 to set up and that the income per year will be £68,000.

Shopkeepers, particularly in High East Street, have raised concerns that the scheme will deter potential customers – especially those who wish just to pop into town quickly.

Mark Evans, owner of Great Western Camping in High East Street, said: “It’s crazy. I’ve had a lot of customers complaining already.

“Retired people don’t want to be spending their pensions on parking meters. They also need the convenience to get to the shop.

“A mother or father with children also needs the convenience to park near the shop they want to pop in to.”

Andy Ackerman, Dorset County Council head of highways, said: “The new pay and display on-street and extended residents parking schemes are an important element of the Dorchester Transport and Environment Plan (DTEP).

“Adequate parking for visitors and shoppers is needed to maintain the economic vitality and general liveliness of the town and must be carefully managed in order to reduce congestion and damage to air quality.

“By encouraging commuters to use park-and-ride into the centre of town, we are freeing town centre parking for those who live in the town and those who need short-stay parking. “This will be a great benefit for all road users in the town.”

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