'Big mistake': Traders and shoppers criticise decision to bring back on-street parking charges in Northampton

The decision to reinstate on-street parking charges in Northampton on the day non-essential shops reopened has been criticised by traders and the public.

Northamptonshire County Council insists scrapping free parking in its spaces, brought in at the start of the coronavirus lockdown, supports businesses.

But many have accused the council of doing the opposite by discouraging customers, while offenders have been ticketed after only a few days notice of the changes.

Julie Tackman, co-owner of Vintage Guru, said: "We were starting to believe street parking would be free this week until we were told last thing on Friday that it would be back up and running.

"It seems counter productive. It's almost unkind. We've got to encourage people to come into a town centre where not everything is open - but they've added fees to park here.

"It's a decision that should have involved traders. I really hoped they would would have made it free at least for this first week."

Chronicle & Echo readers roundly condemned the council for bringing back the on-street parking charges in the comments on a post about the changes on Friday.

Eugene Lennon wrote: "I think it is good to re-introduce pay and display for parking in Northampton as this will no doubt carry on discouraging shoppers to the town centre.

"Mind you it will stop the virus spreading even more ."

Erica Barnes posted: "Big mistake! But then we don’t appear to have an ounce of common sense on the council.

"We need to revitalise the town centre and local economy, this is a perfect way to achieve the opposite."

Scott Packer added: "The council needs to strike a better balance between putting people off parking like inconsiderate... and not putting people off going into town.

"Not that there is much to go there for these days."

And Jo Malpass commented: "What is wrong with our council? Why not give retailers a chance to get back on their feet before parking charges are introduced? Madness!"

The county council argues parking charges maintains a high turnover of vehicles which brings in more customers as well as freeing up spaces.

Leonie Howe, who co-owns women's boutique Berties on Guildhall Road, understood the complaints about bringing back charges but believes overall they need to return.

"I understand why people have been upset about it as we've enjoyed free parking for a while but for us it's been a nightmare as we haven't been able to get a space as everyone parks on Guildhall Road.

"So for us as a business it's a godsend as now there are parking spaces and our customers won't come if there aren't any."

While on-street parking may now be paid-for, Northampton Borough Council-owned car parks remain free to park in until June 29.

County council cabinet member for environment and place, Jason Smithers, said: “On street pay and display charges were temporarily suspended in March to allow parking enforcement to focus on issues that caused obstruction or safety concerns.

"This was to support key workers while they went about their essential duties and to make sure there was access for emergency and essential services.

"However it’s now time to support shops and businesses as the town begins to reopen.

"Effective parking restrictions help to keep a high turnover of vehicles, bringing more cars into the town and boosting trade. It frees-up parking spaces to enable people to park near their chosen destination and just pop in for a few errands when needed.

“Free parking remains for the NHS, health and social care workers and NHS Covid-19 volunteers in line with the government’s free parking concessions and the relaxed residents’ permit parking arrangements will also continue until the end of the month when they are due for review.”