Town council joins parking charges battle (From Western Telegraph)

Pembroke Dock Town Council vows to fight parking charges

5:30pm Sunday 18th October 2009 in News

Pembroke Dock Town Council has vowed to stand by the local chamber of trade in its fight to hold off parking charges in the town.

A Pembrokeshire County Council overview and scrutiny committee meeting recently voted to hold a public consultation on the introduction of car parking charges in Milford Haven, Pembroke Dock and Pembroke.

Representatives from Pembroke Dock Chamber of Trade spoke at a recent town council meeting about a poll they had conducted on the controversial issue.

James Parfitt said they had asked members for their response to county council proposals to introduce car parking charges at Gordon Street, near Asda and Lower Meyrick Street, offering various options.

The first was that they agreed with the proposed charges (starting at 20p per hour); the second was an idea put forward that the first hour of parking would be free of charge; the third option was reduced charges, in accordance with those proposed for Milford Haven; the fourth was to refuse any charges point-blank and the fifth option was ‘any other ideas’.

“We have had various meetings with the county council and we wanted to give the overall view of the chamber,” said Mr Parfitt.

“Based on the response, 75% of the membership said ‘No’ to any form of parking charges.

“We are asking you at the town council to support us on that,” he added.

Council members agreed and pledged their support for the campaign. Meanwhile, an online petition has been launched on the chamber of trade website (www.pembrokedockchamberoftrade.co.uk) as well as a downloadable poster for campaign supporters.

The county council will issue a public notice next week, giving a consultation period of 21 days. Any views or objection should be submitted by November 11th.