COUNCIL leaders have pledged to reduce the cost of parking in Worcester following fears people were “boycotting” the city.
Worcester City Council has started by re-introducing a 30-minute parking option, starting from 40 pence, a £1 flat rate for city centre parking between 7pm and 9pm and the slashing of coach parking charges from £10 to £5, starting from July 21.
The move comes after business owners claimed they were being hit by higher parking charges.
Chris Wise, owner of Cafe Severn on the city’s Quay, has been campaigning for the coach charges to be cut and joined Coun Marc Bayliss, deputy leader and cabinet member for economic prosperity, to launch the offer.
“Since the coach prices were put up to £10 in April the city has effectively been boycotted by coach parties,” he said.
“That’s hit my business and it has hit trade across Worcester. This offer is a positive step in the right direction and I’m looking forward to a permanent price reduction being brought in by next spring.”
Coun Bayliss said the move showed the Conservative Party’s commitment to cutting parking charges.
“When the Conservatives regained control of Worcester City Council in May we promised to reverse the parking price hikes that Labour introduced,” he said.
“This is our first step towards doing that and I know motorists, visitors and businesses will welcome it.
“I’m delighted that we’re slashing prices just in time for the school holidays. We’re confident these steps we’re taking will give our great city a welcome boost at the height of summer.
“We will now work to bring in a permanent price reduction at Worcester’s car parks.”
What do you think? Are parking charges too high in Worcester and putting off motorists? Contact the Observer by e-mailing [email protected].
