Car park charges saga set to continue

Newtown's car parking charge saga is all set to continue after county councillors agreed to reconsider the findings of a review.

There was anger after a review into charges at Powys County Council car parks throughout Powys, including Newtown's Back Lane, Gravel and Gas Street car parks, was published and resulted in increased fees in most cases.

It had taken nearly two years for the review to be published.

In a statement, the county council said a further review would be had into the findings.

"Powys County Council’s cabinet members have agreed to reconsider the findings from the cross-party review group tasked with reviewing the county’s car parking arrangements.

"After completion of the review, the cabinet report with recommendations was discussed in detail by the council’s scrutiny committee last month. The council’s cabinet members have agreed that they need to take some time to reflect on the scrutiny committees’ comments and reconsider the recommendations before taking any further action."

Cabinet members will shortly be holding a focus group to help clearly define a way forward that enables residents and visitors to park safely and sustainably in Powys car parks and is achievable within council budgets.

“We appreciate that car parking arrangements in the county is a very emotive subject for our residents and businesses," said Cllr Jackie Charlton, Cabinet Member for a Greener Powys.

“It is important for us to consider all options and take on board the feedback from the review group, the scrutiny committee, our residents, businesses and visitors.

“We are committed to finding a common ground that is acceptable to our communities, but is also a feasible, sustainable and affordable option for the council to deliver within our tight budget constraints. It is obvious that we need to go back a few steps and relook at the recommendations to make sure we are doing the right thing.”

The cross-party review group of local councillors also included representatives from town councils and local businesses where car parks are sited, and was led by an independent, impartial consultant.

However, there were claims the Liberal Democrat led council had not acted on the review's findings.

As well as car parking tariffs, the review group considered how best to manage all the council’s car parks, town centre footfall, the impacts and benefits of local active travel schemes, available resources, the needs of the local communities and the council’s Sustainable Transport Hierarchy.

The sattement added: "Work will continue over time to address all these aspects with a vision to create sustainable car parks fit for the future of Powys."