A welcome reprieve on parking fees (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

A welcome reprieve on parking fees

8:53am Monday 20th February 2012 in Our View

It would appear that the strength of public feeling opposing the introduction of on-street parking charges in a number of towns in the district has, at the very least, put the proposal on the back-burner for at least two years.

The possibility of charges was first suggested at the end of last year, when it was stated it would raise £250,000 a year for Council coffers.

The proposal was met with a storm of outrage by traders in the towns affected – Keighley, Bingley, Ilkley, and Shipley – with campaigns and petitions launched.

That pressure seems to have paid off, at least in the short term, with Council leader Ian Greenwood making a commitment that charges would not be brought in for at least two years.

Whether that will be just a temporary reprieve while consultation continues or a longer-term victory due to the strength of feeling remains to be seen. But it is, initially at least, very good news for the concerned traders of these towns.

Now they need to make the most of the opportunity that they have and take full advantage of the free on-street parking available when promoting the virtues of shopping in these towns.

Businesses in town and city centres have few enough advantages at the moment, so any little crumb of comfort should be grasped with both hands.

It is likely that the battle for free on-street parking in these towns will raise its head again once this two years has passed.

Until the Council rejects the issue completely, then the traders in these towns will have to stay on their guard and be ready to fight to keep this vital weapon in the ongoing struggle to bring in custom.