'Great news' as Matlock Bath parking fees plan is scrapped
PROPOSALS to introduce parking charges on the streets of Matlock Bath have been scrapped after thousands of people protested.
Two petitions were lodged opposing plans for a pay-and-display scheme along North Parade, South Parade and Dale Road.
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Derbyshire County Council had stood to rake in an estimated £75,000 a year if the new pay-and-display charges in Matlock Bath, above, had gone ahead.
An online petition received 3,227 signatures and a paper version was signed by 3,293 people.
Among the signatories were Matlock Bath traders, who claimed it would lead to fewer people visiting the area and parting with their cash.
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Scores of bikers who regularly descend upon Matlock Bath also signed the petition.
Derbyshire County Council's strategic director for environmental services, Ian Stephenson, confirmed the proposal has been axed.
Tony Christodoulou, manager of Promenade Fish Bar, in North Parade, said he was pleased as he believed the charges would have harmed his business. He said: "The bikers were saying they would have to go elsewhere. I was worried I would lose customers. It would have been stupid to charge people to park. I'm glad the council has changed its mind."
The online petition was started by Sheffield Motorcycle Centre. The firm's director, Frank Hayes, said he was "absolutely delighted".
He said: "It's great news for Matlock Bath, for bikers and the local businesses. People will be hugely delighted. The council is to be applauded – they have listened to people."
The council had stood to rake in an estimated £75,000 a year if the new pay-and-display charges had gone ahead. Under the proposals, the pay-and-display scheme would have run between 10am and 6pm. Drivers were to be charged £1.30 to park on the street for up to an hour, £2 for two hours, £3 for three hours and £4 for four hours.
Motorcyclists would have been charged a reduced rate of 50p per hour.
Councillor Simon Spencer, cabinet member for highways and transport, explained the council's decision.
He said: "Some people in the village wanted it, others didn't and others wanted a different proposal. Until we've looked at all the implications of any change, a wise decision has been taken not to continue with the proposal at this time."
5 Comments
by red1100blackb
Wednesday, June 05 2013, 5:55PM
“Whether the charges are scrapped or not' the greedy councilors wont leave it alone until there rubbing there hands together!! I will certainly stop going for good if the greedy b@@@@@ds do start charging..
And we all know deep down that they will!”
by spondon
Monday, March 04 2013, 2:41PM
“A few years back a similar plan was put forward and a full scale survey was taken to find iut visitors views of the parking, bikers and amenities in generall. The survey's commissioners (D'sCC) seemed suprised that the bikers were deemed to be part of the attraction for visitors and not a detriment. I have been visiting the peak district area almost every weekend for the past fifty years and have never had a moments concern about the safety and well being of my family in the town. If fact 50 years ago I used to go pot holing and drinking (but not whilst bikeing) and used a motor bike to take me to the town.
So well done councillors, listen to the views of the people and welcome everyone with liberal parking laws. You never know that could be your USP in this highly regulated world.”
by make_redgreen
Monday, March 04 2013, 2:07PM
“Pass the plan to the City Council - they'll implement it!”
by Wafty
Monday, March 04 2013, 11:59AM
“it does seem to be sensible, though I'd suggest that the local people don't celebrate too much - that final sentence ("a wise decision has been taken not to continue with the proposal at this time") seems to suggest that this may be a delay rather than a complete cancellation”
by DerbyBorn
Monday, March 04 2013, 11:39AM
“Makes good sense. The money taken would not have been good for the town as it would have deterred visitors from spending their money. It is a unique place and mustn't be ruined.”