From today's Journal Live, copyright of NCJMedia Ltd @ http://www.thejournal.co.uk/news/north-east-news/northumberland-car-parking-charges-set-5105918
Free Northumberland car parking plan proposed
By David Black - 16th July 2013
Morpeth chamber of trade members John Beynon and Charles Robinson, with Medi Parry, manager of the Sanderson Arcade shopping centre
A major change has begun in Northumberland which will see controversial car parking charges scrapped – apart from in those communities which want to keep them.
Drivers visiting popular market towns will be able to park free for the first time in many years if long-running campaigns by traders for the removal of charges are supported by councillors and residents.
The Labour administration on the county council is delivering on its pre-election pledge to allow local communities to decide if they want to have parking fees or not.
Initial meetings are being arranged with town and parish councils in places where charges are currently in force – including Morpeth, Rothbury, Corbridge, Hexham, Berwick, Holy Island, Bamburgh, Seahouses, Beadnell and Alnwick.
These will lead to the development of community-based parking plans, including the option of getting rid of charges unless local councillors believe they should stay for traffic management purposes.
The process is aimed at ending what many claim is the unfair current system, which involves charging in rural communities and free parking in major towns such as Ashington, Blyth, Bedlington and Cramlington.
Charles Robinson, who chairs Morpeth Chamber of Trade’s car parking working group, said he was hopeful the abolition of charges was now in sight.
“Morpeth should have the opportunity to enjoy free car parking, like our neighbours in Ashington and Blyth have done for many years.
Read more @ http://www.thejournal.co.uk/news/north-east-news/northumberland-car-parking-charges-set-5105918
Free Northumberland car parking plan proposed
By David Black - 16th July 2013
Morpeth chamber of trade members John Beynon and Charles Robinson, with Medi Parry, manager of the Sanderson Arcade shopping centre
A major change has begun in Northumberland which will see controversial car parking charges scrapped – apart from in those communities which want to keep them.
Drivers visiting popular market towns will be able to park free for the first time in many years if long-running campaigns by traders for the removal of charges are supported by councillors and residents.
The Labour administration on the county council is delivering on its pre-election pledge to allow local communities to decide if they want to have parking fees or not.
Initial meetings are being arranged with town and parish councils in places where charges are currently in force – including Morpeth, Rothbury, Corbridge, Hexham, Berwick, Holy Island, Bamburgh, Seahouses, Beadnell and Alnwick.
These will lead to the development of community-based parking plans, including the option of getting rid of charges unless local councillors believe they should stay for traffic management purposes.
The process is aimed at ending what many claim is the unfair current system, which involves charging in rural communities and free parking in major towns such as Ashington, Blyth, Bedlington and Cramlington.
Charles Robinson, who chairs Morpeth Chamber of Trade’s car parking working group, said he was hopeful the abolition of charges was now in sight.
“Morpeth should have the opportunity to enjoy free car parking, like our neighbours in Ashington and Blyth have done for many years.
Read more @ http://www.thejournal.co.uk/news/north-east-news/northumberland-car-parking-charges-set-5105918