Proposed parking charges withdrawn in Plymouth

The measures were intended to tackle the council's £38 million budget gap

Plans to introduce parking charges at some of Plymouth’s leisure car parks, have been withdrawn after councillors in the affected areas complained. 

The measures were proposed to help tackle the council’s £38 million budget gap and would have meant small charges to park on-street and in the car park at Mount Batten as well as at Jennycliff, Devils Point and Strand Street car parks, which are currently free. 

In addition, there were proposals to introduce a charge of £1 for 24 hours to park at the Life Centre.
The council had intended to consult the public about the charges, but ward councillors expressed concerns and the cabinet member for transport, Jonathan Drean agreed to halt the process. 

Cllr Drean, who is Conservative member for Budshead, said: “As part of our wider budget programme, we highlighted that we would look at ways we could help address the increase in operating costs of parking in the city.

“This proposal was exactly that. It was one idea. We committed to listening to views and that started with us engaging with councillors. It is clear that introducing charges at our leisure car parks would not be a viable option, therefore the proposal will not be moving ahead.”

Meanwhile, leader of the Independent Alliance and councillor for Compton, Nick Kelly, has written to  the cabinet member for finance and Tory councillor for Budshead, Mark Shayer, suggesting “businesses and residents of Mutley and surrounding areas, specifically in my ward of Compton been discriminated against.”

In an email to Cllr Shayer, the former Tory leader Cllr Kelly added: “Mutley Plain car parking was increased to three hours for free under my leadership, and the Conservative manifesto. You cut this to two hours.” 
Replying to the email, Cllr Shayer said: “Please let me assure you, Mutley residents and traders have not been discriminated against as far as I’m aware.”

Cllr Kelly responded by describing it a “particularly peculiar reply, which doesn’t address my question.”
He added that car parks in Mutley should have the free parking period of three hours restored.