Representing around 900 small businesses across different sectors on the Island, the Isle of Wight Branch of the Federation of Small Businesses is continuing to pressure the Isle of Wight Council to carry out an Island wide parking review, in order to formulate a fair and equitable parking policy for all businesses, residents and visitors.
The recently issued Council document highlighting proposals by the Council to implement increases in parking charges across the Island, coupled with extending the charging period until 20:00 is a cause for serious concern. Businesses such as restaurants, theatres and public houses, that form the night time economy, would be affected for the first time by these new evening charges. Due to limited knowledge on the number of cars using car parks and on-street parking after 18:00, it is unclear as to the potential and adverse impact on local businesses.
Additional proposals to end free parking in several towns and villages, which were initially introduced to encourage shoppers, would also be considered as a retrograde step in helping the islands economic recovery.
Norman Arnold, Vice-Chair of the Isle of Wight Branch of the FSB, said:
“We regularly meet with the leadership of the council and parking is always a standing agenda item as it is a crucial element in supporting our town centres and villages. Our independent retailers are the engines of local economies and parking policy must take account of the needs of small businesses if our town centres are to thrive. Parking should be seen as a vital service not as a short term revenue grab. Fair parking so important for High Streets to stay alive.”
The FSB is encouraging members, and other local businesses, who may have concerns over the impact of these increases, to express their views to the Council. Objections must be received in writing to the Isle of Wight Council by the 6th June, to the following address:
Parking Places Order Consultation, Isle of Wight Council, Enterprise House, St Cross Business Park, Monks Brook, Newport, PO30 5WB
Car parking is one of the key issues in the FSB’s Keep Trade Local campaign, with affordable, available parking clearly a priority for the future of independent traders. Isle of Wight FSB representatives will continue to meet with the Council to ensure business views are heard on car parking, and other issues which will impact the islands micro and small business community.
