East Street Southampton, image courtesy of Daily Echo

Below Bar Traders welcome Council's Car Parking Review

A meeting of Below Bar Traders held at Hampshire Chamber of Commerce Southampton Branch offices on 29 July, received good news regarding their car parking proposals put to the Council back in April.

Following on from the Below Bar Traders proposal in April for the Council to consider revising car park fees; news came through that the Car Park Review is nearing completion and Councillors are soon to look at all the options.

Quoting from a report provided by Southampton City Council’s Head of Parking Services; the meeting was informed that “The review has looked at the appropriateness of what is currently in place and what can be devised to replace it to the benefit of local businesses and other customers. Among the recommendations will be a reduction in some short stay fees, an increase in some stay bands and even all day parking in some areas away from businesses. In effect giving the customer a better value parking facility on-street.”

Ian Welland, Southampton City Centre Manager said “This is really good news and could be a major breakthrough for traders. I remain positive that any measures to assist traders not just in Below Bar but across the city centre may take effect before Christmas. This news will also help would-be new lettings and potential traders, thus raising the commercial viability and economic regeneration where it matters.”

The proposal put forward to the Council by Below Bar Traders included:

• On-street parking charges: 50p for half an hour
• £1.20 for an hour
• £2.00 for two hours
• to extend meter time to 2 hours

It is hoped that confirmation of the new measures will be reported by the next Below Bar Traders meeting scheduled for Tuesday 26 October.

For the Daily Echo report dated 12 April 2010, click here

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