Residents worry that rising parking fees will deter shoppers and hurt local businesses in Gloucester, as council tax and other charges also increase.
Gloucester: There’s a lot of chatter about the new parking fees coming up. Starting in April, parking charges are set to rise, and folks are worried. The council is also planning to increase council tax, which adds to the stress.
For example, if you park in Zone A, a two-hour stay will jump from £2.50 to £2.70. And if you want to park all day, that’ll cost you £8.50 instead of £8. It might not sound like much, but it adds up over time.
Some council members are really concerned. Conservative Councillor Sajid Patel pointed out that these increases could scare people away from the city centre. He mentioned that it could hurt local shops, especially when people are already feeling the pinch financially.
On the flip side, Liberal Democrat finance cabinet member Declan Wilson acknowledged the tough spot they’re in. He said they have to make hard choices with the budget. But he’s open to suggestions if anyone wants to propose changes.
It’s a tricky situation. People want to support local businesses, but rising costs might make them think twice about heading into town. The council needs to find a balance that keeps the city vibrant.
