Seems that business is tough in "The Gong", and it appears that a shortage of parking is the problem. Local businesses claim that a lack of parking is affecting their profitability, particularly in the current economic doldrums.
The council, which is currently under administration, has given notice of its intention to install 850 parking meters to control the available on-street parking, and so free up its availability to visitors.
However the locals are up in arms claiming that it will drive customers away. Huh! That doesn't make sense. If they can't find a park now, how can you drive them away?
They also claim that drivers will stay away for fear of getting booked. Does this mean that the city has no parking time limits, or enforcement at the moment? I don't think so. So, that is just another furphy.
I think the opponents should stop to wonder - who is occupying those 850 spaces at this time? Their customers - or their staff and other commuters? I bet I know the answer.
Research by the council is indicating that the city is facing a staggering increase in commuter traffic volumes, an anticipated increase of 80% by 2026. So the problem has enormous potential to get a lot worse.
By installing the meters the council will be encouraging the commuter types to find alternative parking or transport, and thus free up the parking for the business customers.
As a side effect of this shift in parking habits, opportunities are also opened up for private entities to provide these displaced commuters with all day parking facilities.
It will lead to a win all round - if the council has the guts to follow through.
JP
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