Effects of Shrewsbury parking hike predicted as opponents fear 'massive hit'
A controversial hike in Shrewsbury car parking charges could cost the local economy up to £7m a year, according to a group opposed to the plans.
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Shrewsbury BID (Business Improvement District), which has been a vocal critic of the Shropshire Council proposals, has launched a petition against the plans.
It has also published its own analysis of the potential impact of the charges – both on visitors to the town, and workers.
The data predicts a drop in town-centre footfall of quarter of a million people a year, with traders warning the move will push people to out-of-town retail parks where parking is free.
A survey of 800 businesses, Shrewsbury residents and visitors, also found 90 per cent strongly disagreed with the charges proposed.
A raft of changes to charges are planned – the hourly fee at Abbey Foregate will go up 67 per cent, and 50 per cent at Frankwell.
The price per day at Abbey Foregate rises from £4.80 to £8.
