AN INCREASE of 10p in parking charges in Marlow has been derided and labelled “exorbitant” by Marlow Chamber of Trade.
Wycombe District Council has proposed the rise for drivers spending up to an hour in its Marlow car parks.
These include Riley Road, Liston Road, West Street and Dean Street.
Rod Braybrooke, who looks after the town centre group for the chamber, said it is against any increase.
Although it may seem only a small extra charge, in percentage terms it is significant, Mr Braybrooke said.
The rise would be 16.6 per cent.
He said: "10p doesn't sound much but it is another nail in the coffin for motorists.
"I think motorists are going to think they are being taxed even higher. I think for WDC to consider a 16 per cent increase is exorbitant and quite frankly it should be kept at 60p.
“There are restrictions on the High Street and Wycombe are trying to get more and more people in the car parks by increasing by 16 per cent, they are increasing their revenues.
“Why should motorists and shops pay an extra tax because WDC are strapped for cash? I'm sure there are other ways they can economise.”
If the cabinet meeting next Monday approves the proposals to changes in car park charges across the district they will then be considered by full council before going to the public for comments.
A six week consultation would take place and charges will take effect from September.
However, Mr Braybrooke said the chamber wants to be consulted by councillors before they consider the changes.
He said for councillors to make a decision and then let the public comment gave the impression of being like the “cart before the horse”.
Mr Braybrooke welcomed the changes proposed for Pound Lane, however.
A new up to one hour tariff would be introduced.
He said only having the option of up to two hours currently is “diabolical”.
However, motorists will benefit from a reduction in the 12 hour stay in the Court Garden section will also have from £5.50 to £4.
The chamber also wants to see a change in the system to pay on return, which it says would benefit retailers.
Instead of paying up front for a fixed period of time, shoppers would have more flexibility.
Cllr Richard Scott, who represents Marlow at town, district and county level, said he would personally favour this system.
However, he said it would require an expensive initial outlay and restructuring of the car parks.
He believes the changes are “minor” although admitted the rise “sounds big” in terms of the percentage.
But he said it was the first increase in two years and added “most of the car parks are still cheaper than High Wycombe town centre”.
Meanwhile High Wycombe traders have slammed the charges - see related articles below.
