Price rise leads to more empty spaces

COUNCILLORS will adopt a "wait and see" policy over controversial car parking charges.

Motorists have complained about big rises in parking fees in Huddersfield - with some increases of up to 44%.

The huge Springwood car park, which holds more than 800 vehicles, has seen empty spaces in areas normally full with workers and shoppers.

But the councillor responsible for parking matters insists now is not the time to analyse results.

Clr Martyn Bolt said: "Part of the reason for increasing charges was to encourage commuters to turn to public transport and free up some of the parking spaces for shoppers.

"There is also the attitude that if prices do rise, people will resist at first.

"But our charges rise only every three years and it is difficult to gauge just yet what the impact will be.

"We need to assess the results of the changes much further down the line.

"Year on year comparisons are the ones that are valid, not ones done within days.

"There have been concerns from motorists about the new charges and about the system of increasing the rates for permit parking.

"But parking is an issue that has to be addressed.

"I am sure that many people who pay council tax would not be happy about us providing free parking for motorists if they themselves never use the car parks.

"We have to monitor it as a business and, as with any business, we will look at how things are over the coming months."

Traders and business leaders had complained that putting up prices in all the car parks in Huddersfield would force people to go elsewhere for shopping and leisure activities.