The move will no doubt see its detractors. Mention parking charges and many throw their hands up in horror. They always have done and probably always will. No one likes paying parking charges, so let’s hope people in Rhuthun see the forthcoming short stay reduction as positive.
Presumably, it starts in April. From then, car parking in Rhuthun will reduce to 10p for the first half-hour. Currently, it’s 20p for an hour. The further presumption is that other parking costs will increase. But remember, before an April *2007* halving, it cost 40p to park for an hour, the minimum payment required.
It’s an obviously difficult equation to balance. Reduce parking charges and something else has to increase—the council tax. And it’s slightly odd that motorists should be able to park without contributing *something* for the space they fill.
At the halving to 20p back in April 2007 we asked, “can anyone complain?” Of course, some did, particularly when Tesco offers parking for free. But those who wish to pop into town for a few items certainly can’t complain now, and the reduction is aimed at giving the town centre a fillip. So, bravo to that.
And there’s more good news. On five days, Rhuthun will apparently be able to waive its parking charges altogether. This might coincide, for example, with Christmas marketing, Gŵyl Rhuthun Festival, selected produce markets, and so on. The decision on the actual days falls to the town council.
It’s less good news for those people wishing to purchase a season ticket, harmonised to increase from £63 to £100. But, assuming you use a car park for work on 233 days (five days a week less bank holidays and your annual holidays), this works out at 43p per day, less if you park six days a week.
Was it just me or did anyone else notice that during the free parking day on the Saturday before Christmas that about a third to a half of drivers still paid their parking fee. Can we therefore conclude that people actually feel the car park charges are currently reasonable and that they don’t deter serious shoppers.
Presumably, it starts in April. From then, car parking in Rhuthun will reduce to 10p for the first half-hour. Currently, it’s 20p for an hour. The further presumption is that other parking costs will increase. But remember, before an April *2007* halving, it cost 40p to park for an hour, the minimum payment required.
It’s an obviously difficult equation to balance. Reduce parking charges and something else has to increase—the council tax. And it’s slightly odd that motorists should be able to park without contributing *something* for the space they fill.
At the halving to 20p back in April 2007 we asked, “can anyone complain?” Of course, some did, particularly when Tesco offers parking for free. But those who wish to pop into town for a few items certainly can’t complain now, and the reduction is aimed at giving the town centre a fillip. So, bravo to that.
And there’s more good news. On five days, Rhuthun will apparently be able to waive its parking charges altogether. This might coincide, for example, with Christmas marketing, Gŵyl Rhuthun Festival, selected produce markets, and so on. The decision on the actual days falls to the town council.
It’s less good news for those people wishing to purchase a season ticket, harmonised to increase from £63 to £100. But, assuming you use a car park for work on 233 days (five days a week less bank holidays and your annual holidays), this works out at 43p per day, less if you park six days a week.
Was it just me or did anyone else notice that during the free parking day on the Saturday before Christmas that about a third to a half of drivers still paid their parking fee. Can we therefore conclude that people actually feel the car park charges are currently reasonable and that they don’t deter serious shoppers.
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Parking