EXCESSIVE CAR PARKING CHARGES

8.52.00pm GMT Thu 2nd Feb 2006

Excessive charges to be levied on District Car Parks.

The proposed increases in charges at Poole's district car parks came under the spotlight as a Call-in by Liberal Democrat Councillors was brought before the Service Scrutiny and audit committee on Wednesday evening. In a somewhat acrimonious debate the case for retaining the current level of charges was made by Cllr Mike Brooke (Broadstone ward) and Cllr Brian Clements (Newtown). They were expressing concerns that more consideration should be given to the local traders in areas like Broadstone and Ashley Road, Parkstone. "Such centres are vital for our local communities" said Cllr Brooke, "and during the current recession in retail trade it is essential our traders are supported. By increasing car parking charges large sums of money are being taken out of the local economy. In Broadstone, for example, it means an extra £12,000 (16% increase) will go straight into the council's coffers, whilst the Ashley Road car parks will earn an extra £24,200 (28%)." Cllr Brian Clements added "This stealth tax is unwanted by residents and traders alike and is not necessary for the council since for this year alone the income from car parks is already in excess of £3.6 million, £300,000 above budget and £400,000 above last year's actual income.

Speaking in favour of the increase Cllr Parker, Portfolio holder for the Local Economy said: "there haven't been any increases for the last 16 years and all we are doing is bringing the charges up to date." Commenting on this statement Cllr. Clements, the former leader of Poole Council, stated that there had not been an increase throughout the 12 years of the Liberal Democrat administration because it was part of their policy to support local traders and District Centres. " We were very proud of this and I am pleased it is still part of our sustainability policy".

Cllr Mike Brooke, who had met with local traders in Broadstone only the day before, was able to pass on their views to members of the committee but afterwards expressed bitter disappointment that their wish for no increase in charges was completely ignored. "It is all about extracting as much money as possible from the residents. I could find no evidence of listening to the community or caring for local small businesses in any of the comments from members of the Conservative administration. Indeed it was very evident that many of them did not understand some of the issues involved. Cllr Burden (Creekmoor ward and former Mayor of Poole) admitted he drove round and round until he found a free parking space in Broadstone rather than pay the current price but saw no problem with the increase. He did not even recognise that he was also adding to traffic problems and pollution through his actions."

Cllr Parker, in announcing his decision to confirm the increase in charges, claimed a balance had to be struck between the local economy and council income. It would appear the balance was tilted somewhat in favour of the council and not the local economy.