18 Nov 2024
The district council is ploughing ahead with plans to charge for on-street parking in Harpenden, despite overwhelming opposition from retailers and residents.
The recent meeting of the SADC public realm committee saw councillors consider the results of a recent consultation which opposed the proposals, while retailers again explained the negative impact they would have on trade.
But although the same arguments were debated at length, it was not down to the committee to make any decision on whether to proceed with the planned fees.
Because the changes would be authorised by a Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) a final say on whether to issue a TRO will be made by the council’s strategic director of community and place delivery in consultation with Cllr Campbell.
SADC Conservative group leader Cllr Teresa Heritage said after the meeting: “From my perspective I was very disappointed, as were the Harpenden retailers and residents who attended, that the council did not appear to understand the impact of introducing on street parking charges. Councillors of all colours spoke against the new ideas in the latest consultation.
“I am appalled that they have no evidence to support what they are proposing. Sadly, it feels as if Harpenden is being seen as the cash cow for running the parking department.”
Meanwhile, Harpenden MP Victoria Collins has refused to be drawn into the row.
The St Albans Times asked her key questions relating to the controversy:
· Did she think SADC was right to ignore the results of the public consultation?
· Was she supporting Harpenden High Street businesses by calling for SADC to maintain free on-street car parking?
· Cllr Campbell states businesses have offered no evidence that footfall will be affected. This is not true, Threads conducted a survey of customers which demonstrated that footfall could drop from between 36 and 53% – does she agree that this is more of a threat to their future prosperity than the increase in employer’s NIC, given that they don’t employ a huge number of people?
· Finally, as town MP was she prepared to break party ranks like so many town councillors have done and side with them in opposition to these charges?
The statement received did not provide answers to these specific questions, and even after requesting she address these queries in detail we were directed back to her original response.
Victoria said: “Supporting our local businesses is a top priority for me which is why, in my capacity as MP, I’ve been campaigning in Parliament to reform business rates and highlight the impact of the hike in National Insurance increases for local businesses. Several local businesses, including GP practices, have indeed written to me worried that these Budget increases will probably lead to them closing down premises or laying off staff.
“I’ve also shared feedback from local businesses and residents to the council on local parking. I’ve spoken with many local people, Harpenden Town Council and the Federation of Small Businesses about the issue.
“After the first consultation, I’m pleased to see that the council did listen to concerns and proposed free parking before 9 am to protect school drop-offs, a daily free period of 30 minutes to give people longer to pick up items, collect prescriptions, or visit the post office and charging in 30-minute blocks to ensure the first hour use is only £1.25, after 30 minutes free.
“Of course, it’s a travesty that many years of Conservative cuts have impacted our local communities – from deteriorating healthcare provision to increased fees and charges.
“That’s why I’m also calling for improved local government funding. Councils across the country are struggling to support services after years of Conservative cuts to local government, while costs have increased.
“No council wants to be in a position where it has to increase charges to protect vital services, so I’m fighting to give local decision-making the power and funding it deserves; meanwhile, I’m using my voice as MP to fight for our high streets and local businesses in Parliament.”
