As part of a Borough-wide review of Stafford Borough Council run car parks, Crown Street and Christchurch Way car parks have increased charges and applied new overnight charges.
The new charges see at least 10p added to the existing Monday to Saturday charges and the introduction of a £1 overnight charge that kicks in from 6pm until 8am the following morning.
Parking remains free on Sundays in Stone, however, at a time when High Streets across the UK it’s a shame that the council hasn’t helped local businesses by encouraging visitors to come to our town.
The council has said of the increases:
“Car parking fees and charges have not increased generally since 2016, and in some cases not increased since 2008. Additionally, past increases in the rate of VAT have not been passed onto the customer.
“The increases are reflective of the annual increases that could have been applied during this period.
“Fees have not been raised annually as any increase would not have been to a whole 10p and therefore would have caused difficulties to the customer in having the correct change.”
7 comments
Phil Barber.
The supermarkets will remain free. The high street is therefor being deselected and will continue to diminish. Business is shifting from the smaller independents to the larger national and multi national businesses. The Canal side car is gone for ever, the northesk st car park will be built on and gone for ever. I closed my shop of 32 years because I could see this coming. Our town is being closed and their is no way back. Our town isn’t viable.
Andrea
A memer of gym staff told me that if you use the gym, parking will be free. I too am fed up of going to the gym and finding no parking spaces!
Michael Clarke
The council as always doing their bit to destroy the high street. No doubt their next target will be to charge for parking at Stone Station and push individuals back onto the roads.
Andy Bill
Also, I understand Westbridge Sports Centre is to introduce parking charges starting at £1.50 after 8. From 0 to £1.50, that’s one hell of a price hike! It’s just further proof that clueless councils, who don’t have the nowse to raise funds creatively, keep targeting the taxpayer to bail them out!
Ann Winslett
At least people using the gym might be able to park there! I’m fed up of going and there’s no spaces. If you are using the gym you will get your money back. Sounds good to me!
Jill wood
Typical of our council squeezing every
Jill wood
Typical of our council squeezing every dqueezi g every penny out of people its hard enough to grt peoplr in stone high street without this increase