Bristol parking charges face 325 objections as council backs proposals
Bristol City Council is recommending that plans to introduce parking charges at 10 district car parks across the city should go ahead, despite hundreds of formal objections.
A total of 325 objections and just one representation in support were received during the statutory consultation on the proposed parking changes.
The proposals would introduce charges between 8am and 6pm, seven days a week, with the first hour free. Drivers would then pay £1.50 for up to two hours, £3 for up to three hours and £4.50 for up to four hours.
The scheme would affect car parks including Westbury Hill in Westbury-on-Trym, Machin Road in Henbury and Waverley Road in Shirehampton, as well as sites in Fishponds, Brislington, Redfield and Lawrence Hill.
The council says the changes are intended to improve parking turnover, make enforcement easier and help cover the costs of operating and maintaining the car parks.
However, the consultation responses raised concerns about the potential impact on local businesses and high-street footfall.
In Westbury-on-Trym, particular concern has been raised about the effect on shops and services at a time when the village has already experienced changes to its retail and banking offer.
A survey carried out by the Westbury-on-Trym Society questioned 342 users of the Westbury Hill car park. It found that 28.1% were visiting the medical centre, 24.6% were visiting banks and 24% were shopping.
The survey also found that 18% said they would go elsewhere for shopping or services if charges were introduced, while 19% said they would visit Westbury less frequently. Only 43% of those surveyed lived in the BS9 postcode area, suggesting the car park attracts visitors from a wider area.
Concerns have also been raised about parking being displaced onto surrounding residential streets.
Councillors representing Henbury and Brentry have formally objected to charges at Machin Road, arguing there is little evidence of a significant commuter parking problem there. They warned that charging could affect the nearby Crow Lane shopping parade, community facilities and residential roads.
The council says it will monitor the impact if charges are introduced, including parking displacement and how the car parks are used.
Despite the level of opposition, officers have recommended that the proposals proceed as advertised. A final decision is still required before the Traffic Regulation Order can be formally sealed.
(Note the image in this article is AI generated)
Read more ristol News Stories here https://directlocalbristol.co.uk/bristol-news/
