Hyndburn Council warns proposed parking fees could harm high streets

A council has stated that proposed on-street pay and display parking charges in certain towns might negatively impact their high streets. Officials from Hyndburn Council indicated that this initiative, under consideration by Lancashire County Council for Accrington and Great Harwood, is expected to adversely affect small businesses. They further noted that it would unfairly impact towns and villages and disadvantage residents dependent on their vehicles. Councillor Munsif Dad, the borough leader, announced that a letter conveying the authority’s “strong opposition” to the proposal would be dispatched to Lancashire County leader Councillor Philippa Williamson. He stated: “Despite costs of over £85,000 to provide car parking in Hyndburn for residents and visitors and particularly for shoppers, we continue to provide this facility free and have no intention of introducing charges for our car parks in Hyndburn.” He added: “As a cabinet we strongly oppose the introduction of any new charges for parking in Hyndburn.” The council holds the view that its current approach helps strengthen town centres and offers “an incentive for people to shop locally.” According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, Dad further stated, “Introducing on street car parking charges would have the opposite effect.” Councillor Noordad Aziz, the council’s deputy leader, also commented that the proposition was a “source of deep concern in the communities I represent.” He added: “Introducing parking charges would create unnecessary economic and social challenges for our local communities and high street.” He continued: “Small businesses would suffer a further blow as potential customers deterred by parking fees.” Aziz noted that local residents depend on “accessible and affordable” parking to “support local businesses and maintain the vibrancy of our town centres.” He said: “The imposition of these charges would disproportionately affect our smaller towns and villages high streets.” He concluded: “This would penalise residents who depend on their cars for daily activities.”