Notices have appeared today on car parking machines in Rhuthun/Ruthin advertising new parking charges with effect from April 1st. There's going to be something of a backlash.
This follows a decision way back in October 2015 to restructure car parking charges from next month. That these are the first increases since 2009 will probably seem irrelevant, because Rhuthun will bear the biggest brunt. This is because, in 2011, car parking in Rhuthun was effectively halved when compared to the remainder of Denbighshire. £50,000 was set aside to do this. It is reported that the sum of money used to keep parking charges lower in Rhuthun actually ran out at the end of 2015, after which, in truth, prices should've risen to Denbighshire levels at that point.
Saying that prices haven't increased since 21009 needs some untangling, though. Wasn't it that parking charges were pegged at 2009 levels because they were perceived as high when compared to other North Wales' authorities?
Personally, I cannot remember when last I bought a parking ticket in Rhuthun. I can walk to the town centre and, when I need to use a car, have often found a space on street, usually along Wynnstay Road. For those who do likewise, they may not think that this increase will bother them, but it will. It will put pressure on on-street spaces, reducing availability. It will probably result in more cars parked on Wrexham Road and, unlawfully, on Market Street.
No one likes to pay anything for car parking and, in Rhuthun, there will be plenty who remember the halcyon days to 1993 when all car parking was free. Charges were introduced on St Peter's Square in 1993 and in all other car parks progressively from 1998. We can still expect siren calls from the town, about loss of trade and lack of visitors.
Unless very regular, visitors will probably not notice the increase. Visitors who come from farther than Yr Wyddgrug will also probably see Rhuthun's charges as good value. Visitors expect to pay for parking. Visitors will probably not see a distinction between three and four hours, either: if they want four or more, they will probably stump up. Other than those who have to park all day, few locals will probably need more than three hours. Four was set in Rhuthun to be consistent at the time with Y Rhyl. And Y Rhyl's was four hours because of the Children's Village cinema, offering time for a film and a meal.
As for loss of trade, we can look to neighbours to the west and see Conwy's charges are comparable to the new ones in Denbighshire. We can also look east to Yr Wyddgrug/Mold and find Flintshire's are still much lower. Personally, I have never been persuaded by the argument that car parking *alone* forces people away from Rhuthun to Yr Wyddgrug—there are other factors. Even so, it will be a well-rehearsed argument by those against the increase. The 22 miles round trip will cost more in fuel than the difference in parking charges, though. Much more.
*—some exceptions e.g. Llangollen Market Street
‡—based on approx 48 weeks a year, five days a week
This follows a decision way back in October 2015 to restructure car parking charges from next month. That these are the first increases since 2009 will probably seem irrelevant, because Rhuthun will bear the biggest brunt. This is because, in 2011, car parking in Rhuthun was effectively halved when compared to the remainder of Denbighshire. £50,000 was set aside to do this. It is reported that the sum of money used to keep parking charges lower in Rhuthun actually ran out at the end of 2015, after which, in truth, prices should've risen to Denbighshire levels at that point.
Saying that prices haven't increased since 21009 needs some untangling, though. Wasn't it that parking charges were pegged at 2009 levels because they were perceived as high when compared to other North Wales' authorities?
Personally, I cannot remember when last I bought a parking ticket in Rhuthun. I can walk to the town centre and, when I need to use a car, have often found a space on street, usually along Wynnstay Road. For those who do likewise, they may not think that this increase will bother them, but it will. It will put pressure on on-street spaces, reducing availability. It will probably result in more cars parked on Wrexham Road and, unlawfully, on Market Street.
In Rhuthun, 50p currently gets you four hours. From April, if you want the same amount of time, you will need to pay £3.50 or £7, depending upon your car park; or put up with three hours at either £1.50 or £2
No one likes to pay anything for car parking and, in Rhuthun, there will be plenty who remember the halcyon days to 1993 when all car parking was free. Charges were introduced on St Peter's Square in 1993 and in all other car parks progressively from 1998. We can still expect siren calls from the town, about loss of trade and lack of visitors.
Unless very regular, visitors will probably not notice the increase. Visitors who come from farther than Yr Wyddgrug will also probably see Rhuthun's charges as good value. Visitors expect to pay for parking. Visitors will probably not see a distinction between three and four hours, either: if they want four or more, they will probably stump up. Other than those who have to park all day, few locals will probably need more than three hours. Four was set in Rhuthun to be consistent at the time with Y Rhyl. And Y Rhyl's was four hours because of the Children's Village cinema, offering time for a film and a meal.
As for loss of trade, we can look to neighbours to the west and see Conwy's charges are comparable to the new ones in Denbighshire. We can also look east to Yr Wyddgrug/Mold and find Flintshire's are still much lower. Personally, I have never been persuaded by the argument that car parking *alone* forces people away from Rhuthun to Yr Wyddgrug—there are other factors. Even so, it will be a well-rehearsed argument by those against the increase. The 22 miles round trip will cost more in fuel than the difference in parking charges, though. Much more.
*—some exceptions e.g. Llangollen Market Street
‡—based on approx 48 weeks a year, five days a week
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Parking