Calls to re-think extending charging hours at car park quashed

Liberal Democrat leader Roger Evans proposed that the decision to extend charging hours at Shrewsbury's Raven Meadows car park from 6pm to 8pm should be sent back to cabinet with a recommendation that it should be re-examined.

But Shropshire Council's performance management scrutiny committee voted against his proposal and instead voted in favour of accepting cabinet's decision.

It is the latest discussion over controversial car parking changes across the county which saw large protests in Shrewsbury and Ludlow, and a number of proposals scrapped in the towns.

Campaigners, including Shrewsbury BID, put pressure on the council to scrap the extended charging hours and an emergency cabinet meeting was arranged.

Councillor Evans said he was "disappointed" with the decision of the scrutiny committee.

He said: "I'm disappointed that members only wanted to listen to the BID and not to the comments made by the vulnerable and less able people and the workers in the town centre.

"Workers can now park on surface car parks after 6pm for free, but I'm disappointed that they will not be able to have the extra security of using the Raven Meadows car park too."

Other councillors questioned how safe the Raven Meadows car park would be at night, and officers said there would be cost implications with making the car park safer.

Steven Brown, highways, transport and environment manager, said: "If it's going to be safe and secure there would need to be someone on the end of the phone, there is a cost element in that which needs to be recognised."

The intention is to open Raven Meadow's car park 24/7 later in the year, and include a three-hour cap on the linear tariff of three hours for period between 8pm and 8am.

There will also be an eight-hour tariff cap between 8am and 8pm from Monday to Saturday, and a flat rate tariff of £1.50 with a 10-hour tariff cap on Sundays and bank holidays.

But currently it is not operationally possible to open Raven Meadows 24/7, the maximum it can be extended to is midnight.

Prior to the extension of opening hours overnight there are anti-social behaviour and security issues to overcome, according to Shropshire Council officers.