The Conservative Group on the Isle of Wight Council has voiced strong opposition regarding proposals to increase parking charges and reduce the number of free parking bays across the Isle of Wight.
Tory Councillors have described the proposals, previously reported by Island Echo, as unfair, short-sighted and potentially damaging to residents and businesses already facing economic pressures.
They say that reducing their availability could impact footfall in town centres and create additional barriers for residents seeking access to everyday amenities.
Businesses across Union Street voiced their concerns to Island Echo last week as the budget proposes parking implementations across the loved street.
Group Leader, Councillor Ed Blake, has said:
“At a time when families are grappling with rising costs and our high streets are working hard to attract visitors and shoppers, increasing parking fees and removing free short-stay options sends entirely the wrong message.
“These proposals would risk discouraging people from supporting local businesses and will disproportionately affect residents, particularly the elderly and those on lower incomes.”
The local Conservative Group has said it remains committed to standing up for residents and ensuring that policies adopted by the Council are fair, balanced and supportive of the Isle of Wight economy.
At this rate it will be cheaper to go by bus everywhere!
Thats the plan! A few years ago the council admitted that their traffic management strategy was to increase parking until it makes fewer cars on the road. They even have a plan to introduce residential parking fees and tried to trial it on Jeleco Road a few years back but u turned after fierce opposition.
People won’t have a say if they mandate residential
parking fees.
Too be honest there are too many vehicles on island
roads.
That is the world plan, get vehicles off the road
and travel by bus, bicycle or walk.
Just don’t buy a ticket, the chances of you getting caught are so low.
If in Sandown just park for FREE on the pavement
inside the pedestrianised zone outside the old tourist information centre opposite Sandown Pier.
Beats paying
Like me don’t give them nothing..sod the council.
You can park on Double Yellow Lines instead
vehicles do it everyday along Oakhill Road in
Seaview, nothing gets done about it.
THEY ARE MORE CONCERNED IF YOU GO A FEW MINUTES
OVER YOUR PARKING TIME ELSEWHERE
Strange but true
Islandwide parking permit would be fairer
Think of all the Islands Roads and streets cluttered
with vehicles all day long stopping other residents from
parking their vehicles.
IF YOU MADE PEOPLE TO PAY TO PARK THEIR VEHICLES
MANY OF THEM WOULD GET RID OF UNNESSECCARY CLUTTER
As a Holiday maker to your lovely Island, we come and spend our money on the Island but it maybe time to rethink how are you going to keep people coming back with ferry prices high and now car parking fees on the rise
A message to the local council THINK CAREFULLY BEFORE ITS TOO LATE
the lovely people of I.O.W deserve more from you
Too be honest we have it good on the island
compared to many other seaside locations.
Try parking in Bournemouth or Brighton
I appreciate that it’s the job of the Opposition to oppose, but unless they can put forward viable alternatives, they waste their time and ours.
Taking cars off the road is a laudable aim; unfortunately it requires a big investment in public transport for which there is no chance here. Manchester did it, London has done it – now what’s the common factor? You work it out.
May as well say goodbye to high street shops, and shop online, as too expensive to use own vehicle with parking problems and the expense to park.BLAME THE COUNCIL…
Tax, tax, tax, we already pay too much.
Why do they add the stupid 5p amounts on there as they know nobody carries odd change any more. Make it full pound amounts and maybe 50p. But don’t rob people of more money because they have no change.
Or get machines that give change!