Conservative candidates in the forthcoming Town Council election on May 1st have vowed that this is the 'Parking Charge election".
Four positions on the Town Council have fallen vacant. John Drake and Sam Spiri are contesting the two seats in Harpenden South, Milan Cvetkovic is standing in Harpenden West and Aaron Jacob in Harpenden North. All candidates are opposed to the introduction of on-street parking charges in the Town and want to see them abolished.
Sam Spiri says "I don't support the implementation of the on-street car parking charges across Harpenden and that’s why this is the parking-charge election, and a referendum on Liberal Democrat mis-management ."
When asked if he thinks the charges are working, he says "If by working you mean emptying the town centre and picking the pocket of residents and taxpayers then sure. Ultimately what these charges have done is taken a social asset away from residents. Whether or not this has raised revenues is undetermined at the moment but even if it has - which is unlikely considering this Lib Dem councils abysmal record - it still doesn’t make this change ethical, or positive. More importantly though - this charge just shifts the problem of overcrowding elsewhere. It’s now even more difficult for commuters to get a parking space at the train station, and residential roads are more congested. Parking charges don’t work, haven’t worked, and will not fix the fact that we have insufficient infrastructure."
John Drake adds "The charges are not working. There is no evidence of more sustainable travel, only loss of footfall , leading to lower retail revenue which will inevitably lead to potential business closure. The Lib Dems have introduced a negative spiral. As shops close, it will become even less attractive to come into Town."
He continues "I volunteer at a Charity shop and I know that charity shop donations are down as donors used to visit as part of a shopping trip, sales are down as charity shops rely on browsing and the half an hour does not permit this in conjunction with other shopping, finally the shortage of volunteers is exacerbated as there is an additional cost of attending."
Milan Cvetkovic points out "The “intended purpose” of these charges was initially stated to support active travel (walking and cycling). This has not happened. Then they said it was to fill a shortfall in SADC’s budget – one of their own making. They are not allowed to use parking monies for anything other than parking anyway. Why are they losing money on their existing parking operation?"
When asked about the public consultation, Milan commented "Having attended the emergency “consultation meeting” in Park Hall last year, it was clear from early in the proceedings and admitted by Lib Dem Councillors attending that the decision had already been made. I am also given to understand that SADC refused to include/take account of the Petition mounted by retailers. The whole process has been a sham and an affront to democracy. Proof if proof were needed that there is nothing Liberal or Democratic about the Lib Dems."
Aaron Jacob says "It is difficult to know what SADC is seeking to achieve, particularly as Councillor Cowley has shown that SADC spend more on enforcement than they recover in penalty notices. Residents are against them, businesses are against them, and they are all-round bad for Harpenden. I also think £5 to park for 2 hours is very expensive. Are they trying to price out ordinary people?"
When asked if the District Council took into account the result of the public consultation and various surveys opposing the charges before implementing them he responds "Only SADC will know this. However, given the level of opposition, it is very hard to see how the consultation was taken into account."
https://stalbanstimes.co.uk/harpenden/its-the-parking-charge-election-f…
