Plan to boost footfall in the town

**bensherman** · 10/10/2018 08:33 PM

Many people complain that the cost and ease of parking inhibit people spending time in the town.

But abandoning parking restrictions would lead to chaos and cause just as many, or more, problems.

So some form of paid-for parking is necessary, which requires enforcement.

How about...Sefton residents who pay council tax are entitled to buy a special parking disc which would give an hours free parking in a controlled bay. First disk is £25, and a second available at £20.Good for a year.

A variant could be sold through guest houses and hotels giving a week of the same opportunity for (say) £10.

If you overstay, based on the time you displayed on your disk, you pay the fine as now

**said** · 10/10/2018 08:43 PM

Local people know where they can park and not have to pay.

There was only chaos in the town when there was a variety of shops and every shop was open. There was also various attractions that brought people in. If they did away with parking fees tomorrow - there would still be hundreds of empty spaces for people to park because there is so little here to make people want to come.

**gazaprop** · 11/10/2018 05:48 AM

They have such a system in Northumberland. 'Parking bays' have different time restrictions dependant on the area.
The system works by putting a card with a clock in it on the dashboard upon which you set your arrival time.
The cards can be purchased from most retailers in the towns and villages, they cost £1 and you keep that card until either you die or the card disintegrates.

**salus.populi** · 11/10/2018 06:22 AM

Originally Posted by said

Local people know where they can park and not have to pay.

There was only chaos in the town when there was a variety of shops and every shop was open. There was also various attractions that brought people in. If they did away with parking fees tomorrow - there would still be hundreds of empty spaces for people to park because there is so little here to make people want to come.

And yet the town is packed every weekend.

**Alikado** · 11/10/2018 08:55 AM

Why all the complaints about Parking costs, in the Lakes the minimum charge seems to be £3, single yellow lines with No Loading / Unloading and everybody including Blue Badge Holders has to pay.

**Hamble** · 11/10/2018 09:09 AM

Pontins would make a great car park for the fit and able leaving the limited near car park spaces for those who are not.

Every Town has free parking spaces or opportunity known to the resident population it is the visitor's that need the extra encouragement.

**Ceam** · 11/10/2018 09:13 AM

Always make me giggle these threads. People complain about having to pay and it's driving away customers, Why is it then when ever I go into town it's a nightmare to find anywhere to park?

**Ceam** · 11/10/2018 09:18 AM

Originally Posted by Alikado

Why all the complaints about Parking costs, in the Lakes the minimum charge seems to be £3, single yellow lines with No Loading / Unloading and everybody including Blue Badge Holders has to pay.

I know, they act like we are the only town in the country paying to park.

As for blue badge users, I don't think many think it's a free pass. Despite what none users think the badge is one for access not freebies.

**gazaprop** · 11/10/2018 10:52 AM

Originally Posted by Ceam

I know, they act like we are the only town in the country paying to park.

As for blue badge users, I don't think many think it's a free pass. Despite what none users think the badge is one for access not freebies.

We've disagreed over this in the past and my view hasn't changed.
Those unhappy at the perception the pass is a 'freebie' could head that one off at the pass by paying for their parking like everyone else does.
I agree entirely with you on the access point and perhaps an answer is more designated disabled bays but, I can see no reason whatsoever why blue badge holders should be allowed to park for free.

**Ceam** · 11/10/2018 12:03 PM

Originally Posted by gazaprop

We've disagreed over this in the past and my view hasn't changed.
Those unhappy at the perception the pass is a 'freebie' could head that one off at the pass by paying for their parking like everyone else does.
I agree entirely with you on the access point and perhaps an answer is more designated disabled bays but, I can see no reason whatsoever why blue badge holders should be allowed to park for free.

Neither do I.

**Alikado** · 11/10/2018 12:11 PM

Originally Posted by Hamble

Pontins would make a great car park for the fit and able leaving the limited near car park spaces for those who are not.

Every Town has free parking spaces or opportunity known to the resident population it is the visitor's that need the extra encouragement.

Pontins is too far out of town and we already have an excellent Park n Ride which only costs £2 a day running the full length of the Prom and Lord St, what more do we need.