THE decision to raise car parking charges and introduce fees on Sundays across East Hampshire was never going to be without controversy. And fears are rife that the charges – set to bolster East Hampshire District Council (EHDC) coffers by an extra £170,000 a year – could drive custom away from market towns such as Petersfield. Trevor Boyden, of the Association of Petersfield Businesses, spoke of his legitimate concerns, with parking fees set to rise between 18 and 33 per cent on April 1. "Does it have to go up by the percentage it has gone up by?" he asked rhetorically. "And then to go and charge on Sunday as well? Petersfield has always benefited from the shops being open on Sunday, getting people into the town. "Are these increases going to make people travel to the next town, where they don't get charged on a Sunday? It's a worry, especially as many are predicting a tight financial climate. "And shouldn't businesses have been consulted about the changes, as has happened in the past?" He added: "And all this when they are not charging for parking at Penns Place. I thought they were supposed to be a greening council? Why are they not charging for parking, encouraging employees to car share and to use the cycleways that they spent thousands of pounds on?" Mr Boyden also raised a lack of consideration for Petersfield residents without off-street parking, some of whom have to pay more than £600 per year to park in EHDC car parks. He also questioned the lack of monthly tickets, remarking: "I know that in Chichester, for instance, you can buy a monthly parking ticket for £30." Last increased in February 2004, cabinet members of East Hampshire District Council rubber-stamped proposals last Wednesday at Penns Place. Alton councillor Patrick Burridge remarked: "An increase in car park charges is never popular but is an important source of revenue for this council, covering charges, community transport and lighting that we all enjoy." Examining a comparison chart of similar local authorities, Mr Burridge added: "The most important thing for car parking charges is that they are competitive with small market towns. I have a feeling of satisfaction that we are competitive with our comparable centres." With regard to the introduction of Sunday parking charges, priced at the same level as Monday to Saturday rates, Mr Burridge saw Sunday as "just another shopping day". Meanwhile, Elizabeth Cartwright said: "I am aware that people shop on Sunday – even myself on occasions. When I visit supermarkets, I am amazed to see how busy they are."
