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Question from: County Councillor Matthew Dorrance Subject: Parking charges
Question:
Councils across Wales are considering how they can best help and support their local economies to build back better.
Councils such as Bridgend and Carmarthenshire have all suspended parking charges at Council run car parks to help High Streets.
So far, Powys County Council has refused to do this.
Will Powys County Council suspend parking charges to help our High Streets?
If not, will the Cabinet explain why it believes our High Streets do not need this help? Minutes: Response by the Portfolio Holder:
As members will be aware, as part of the COVID-19 safety measures I have agreed to accommodate half of the displaced on-street parking in the nearest public car park, allowing up to one hour free. The reasoning for the reduced amount of free spaces offered is to encourage local shoppers to increase their active travel and reduce car use for these short journeys. Our long term aspirations; in line with and supported by Welsh Government, are to work with our towns to bring improvements, making active travel more appealing and practical, in conjunction with other improvements to street scenes designed to promote local business.
I recognise that there is a valid point of view that providing more free parking could stimulate our local economy, and help businesses at this difficult time. This view point has to be balanced with the severe financial pressure this authority now finds itself in as a result of the additional costs and loss of income due to the pandemic.
The matter will receive further consideration by the Cabinet this week.
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