Sweeping plans to introduce new parking charges on the Isle of Wight have hit a stumbling block following opposition.
County Hall’s economy, regeneration, transport and infrastructure committee (ERTIC) last night (Tuesday) voted against moving forward with 2 controversial proposals to introduce tariffs to a series of streets and car parks across the Island.
The measures were set out in a report from the council’s strategic director of community services, Simon Moon.
However, it was agreed that another policy – increasing parking fees on both on and off street by 25p per hour – will go forward to be looked at by the policy, finance and resources committee (PFRC) for possible adoption in the council’s budget setting processes.
A proposal to remove free parking for electric vehicles in off-street car parks will also be considered by PFRC.
New parking tariffs were planned, subject to consultation, for areas including Union Street in Ryde, Sandown High Street, Regent Street in Shanklin, Fort Victoria Car Park in Yarmouth and the new Royal Exchange Car Park in Newport.
Ventnor High Street and St James’ Street, Crocker Street, Union Street, Terrace Road and St John’s Place in Newport were also included.
In addition, charges were on the table for sites such as the Wheelers Bay and Eastcliff car parks in Ventnor, St Martin’s Road car park in Wroxall, and Warnes Lane car park in Brighstone – all currently offering free parking.
Other areas listed include Godshill car park, Bouldnor Viewpoint car park in Yarmouth, St Helens Green car park, Gurnard seafront and Hope Road in Shanklin.
Tonight, councillors voted against pressing ahead with the plans. The decision comes after a petition opposing the charges passed 2,300 signatures.
The ruling echoes the Isle of Wight Council’s scrapping of previous parking fee proposals as part of its last budget, passed in February.
Mr Moon’s report said the ‘financial challenge’ is the single biggest risk to sustainable public services on the Island.
“Accordingly, the council needs to resolutely maximise the deployment of the resources that it does have (revenue, capital, property and staff) towards driving additional income/funding and cost savings to secure council services for the future,” the paper noted.
All this b@llocks about parking charges
whilst the Council ALLOW VEHICLES TO EVADE PAYING PARKING CHARGES BY PARKING ON THE PAVEMENT OUTSIDE THE OLD TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRE OPPOSITE SANDOWN PIER INSIDE A PEDESTRIANISED ZONE!
I will NEVER pay to park on the island, what’s good for the goose
is good for the gander!
“IW COUNCIL CANNOT NEED THE MONEY, IF THEY DID THEY WOULD
BAN FREE PAVEMENT PARKING”
Ho Ho Ho. YEE-HAW Cowboy!