Stockport council is introducing parking charges at several free car parks. This decision has raised concerns among residents and local officials about its impact on the community.
Stockport: The council is shaking things up with parking fees. They’re planning to charge at some of the 52 free car parks in the area.
This decision was made last year as part of budget talks. The council hopes to raise about £270,000 a year to help with their finances, which are in a bit of a mess.
They’ve put together a list of car parks where drivers will soon need to pay. Prices will start at 50p for an hour and go up to £2.40 for ten hours. You can pay with cash or through a mobile app.
Yearly passes are available too, costing £297 for weekdays or £356 for all week. But not everyone is happy about this change.
At a recent meeting, John McNeil, who’s involved with a local school, raised concerns. He said the new fees would make it tough for parents and staff to park.
Redhouse Lane car park, near the school, is on the list. With only 12 parking spots for 34 staff members, it’s going to be a squeeze.
Plus, there’s a children’s center nearby that relies on free parking for families in need. McNeil pointed out that they weren’t consulted about these changes.
He worries parents will park on the road instead, which could lead to more traffic and danger for kids walking to school.
Labour Coun Joe Barratt called the charges a “teacher tax.” He mentioned that staff who currently park for free will face hefty fees, possibly close to £500 a year.
He also questioned if the council thought about how this would affect vulnerable families. A council officer suggested a park and stride scheme to help parents during drop-off times.
Mark Roberts, the council’s deputy leader, said they had no choice but to introduce these charges. He emphasized that they’re trying to balance the budget amid serious funding issues.
Roberts stated, “If it comes to charging for car parks or keeping our pools and libraries open, we have to make tough choices.”
Here’s the list of car parks that will soon have new charges:
- Redhouse Lane car park (Bredbury & Woodley)
- Guywood Lane, Romiley Railway Station car park (Bredbury Green & Romiley)
- Derby Range (Heatons North)
- Didsbury Road (Heatons South)
- Ashbrook Lane, Margaret Street and Rupert Street (Reddish North)
- Torkington Park (Hazel Grove)
- Church Road (Cheadle West & Gatley Ward)
- Church Road (Heald Green)
- Andrew Street, Brabyns Brow (Brabyns Brow Lower), Middlers (Brabyns Brow Upper) and Brabyns Park (Marple North)
- Brookside Lane, Buxton Road Library, Buxton Road Medical Centre, Hibbert/Church Lane and the Windlehurst Road High Lane Park car park (Marple South)
- Hallam Street car park and Green Street car park (Davenport & Cale Green)
- Arnold Street and Arnold Street/Hardcastle Road (Edgeley)
- Bramley Close car park in Bramhall next to the railway line, not the health centre/library car park (Bramhall South & Woodford)
- Church Road/Woods Lane car park (Cheadle Hulme South)
