A meeting of the Isle of Wight Council’s Executive is being asked to approve controversial proposed changes to parking across the Isle of Wight when it meets next month, despite strong public objection.
In a report to the Executive, the full changes proposed in the Isle of Wight Parking Places Order (2014), published on 9th May, are being recommended for acceptance despite the Isle of Wight Council receiving over 500 letters of objection and thousands of signatures on multiple petitions. The full details of the changes were previously reported by Island Echo.
A total of 543 valid objections have been received to the proposals, together with a total of nine petitions with nearly 10,000 signatures – one of which has over 3,000 signatures alone in protest of the proposed changes for Appley and Puckpool Parks in Ryde. Furthermore, the Isle of Wight Branch of the Federation of Small Businesses have raised concerns about the Council’s plans regarding the impact on local business and two members of the Isle of Wight Council have previously called for a u-turn on the proposals.
Ryde Business Association wrote to the Council recently informing them of immediate legal action should the parking changes go ahead. Also in Ryde, hundreds of dog walkers met at the end of May in protest of the damaging effects on pet owners should free parking be abolished near to Ryde seafront.
Conservative Councillors have also expressed their thoughts on the issue.
A number of other objections were filled with the Council, however are said to not be valid. The number is unknown.
The Council say they are facing a budget deficit of £28 million over the next three years, and it is estimated the recommended parking charges will generate extra annual income of £256,000, with the proposed increases in line with inflation.
The extra income in relation to off-street parking charges will help offset highways and transport costs including the increasing financial pressure on the council of funding free bus travel for people of a pensionable age. The extra income from on-street parking will be used in accordance with statutory requirements.
Executive member for resources, Councillor Jon Gilbey, said:
“We completely recognise that the issue of car parking changes can be a very emotive issue, but at the same time the council is facing increasing costs in its highways and transportation budget and has not increased its car parking charges since April 2008.
“We have tried to reduce the likely impact on individuals with the introduction of a new parking permit, which at £295 represents very good value – especially if purchased by monthly direct debit.
“Full consideration has been given to all valid objections, petitions and comments received as part of the consultation. Details of the consultation, the analysis of the responses and the recommendation will now be considered by the Executive.
“This was a very detailed process and fair and proper consideration has been given to the range of valid responses received.”
The Executive meet on 7th July.
