Archived Topic
Topic ID 131
05/02/2004 by sloopjohnb
Increase in fees
Suppose I am lucky in not owning a car but is everyone happy with the increase in parking fees in all car parks as from Tuesday. I have to get my report written by tomorrow night and if there is any comments anyone would like to be included (and I have to be deliberately vague) I would appreciate some feedback.
Is there anyone who is against the introduction of 'pay on return' car parks and if so, why? Anon guaranteed.
0 replies
Archived Replies
Reply ID 664
06/02/2004 by newgirl
Are the details of the increases posted somewhere so we can consider them?
I am ALL for Pay on Return - I don't seem to be able to do anything as quickly as I would like to and always overestimate my needed time anyway to avoid the panic in the doctors/hairdressers/bank queue, etc
However, if I have no parking ticket worries (like in WGC) I am quite happy to shop longer, browse more and stop for a coffee - all good for the town's business
Edited by - newgirl on 06 Feb 2004 10:14:04
Reply ID 665
06/02/2004 by sloopjohnb
Well, I think you've summed up in two paragraphs three weeks work and a ten page report, not to mention two databases and a spreadsheet.
Jim Thornton has again summarised the situation in the Mercury which has also reported on a Ware trader's anger with the hike in fees. Basically these increase in 50p increments with each hour starting at 50p for one hour; £2.50 for one days parking and a £60 fine reduced to £30 if you overstay. Although there is some acknowledgement for extra bands of parking - the introduction of 3 hours - the policy of Pay and Display remains.
There is now some concessionary talk going on within the Conservative Party at District level - the problem being that there is no effective opposition to any proposals, parking or otherwise - and with pressure from Cllr Thornton and hopefully the results of the parking petitions and the comments from traders there is a possibility that Pay on Return may become a reality along with decriminalisation. However that last long word is unlikely to be implemented this side of 2005.
Reply ID 666
06/02/2004 by newgirl
From a personal point of view, I don't think the charges are financially excessive BUT then I work in London where it is 20p for 7.5 minutes.
However, they ARE enough to deter me from popping in to Hertford for just a few things - and lets face it, Hertford is more of a pop-in type of shopping place. If I was searching for something specific like clothes, shoes or toys, I would feel lucky if I could pop-in to Hertford and find it it but know that I would probably have to make a longer excursion somewhere else if I was unlucky. With these higher charges, I would think twice about looking in Hertford first.
Reply ID 667
06/02/2004 by sloopjohnb
Would you mind very much if I quoted your first reply in my report. Obviously retain your anonymity - I'll say 'from a member on the Discover Hertford on line messageboard.' Your comments really do sum the whole thing up and your follow up reply does it again. Gives the final conclusion a personal touch.
Reply ID 670
06/02/2004 by newgirl
Of course I don't mind - make a change from the Mercury quoting this forum. Have fun writing the report
5 replies