During these times of austerity measures, local councils have been forced to look at any means possible in order to raise income. However, some of these money raising schemes have come in for fierce criticism, with some saying they could end up having an adverse effect on a certain areas economy.
Morecambe, is a town that has been hit hard by the government austerity measures and recent plans to increase car parking prices in the area have been lambasted by the local community. The prices for the use of council owned car parks have rose by roughly 10 per cent, in comparison to 2010.
It is thought that an increase in the cost of car parking for pay and display public car parks, and parking permits, has the potential to negatively affect the areas commercial property market and wider economy.
John Bates, secretary of the Morecambe and District Chamber of Trade and Commerce (MDCT), believes that people simply cannot afford the extra expense of a car parking price hike and there is a distinct possibility shoppers will abandon visiting Morecambe’s retail areas. This would of course damage the towns retail market and in turn have a negative effect on the areas commercial property market.
Mr Bates said: ‘At times of economic difficulties most people are likely to respond adversely to price increases than might otherwise be the case…This would clearly lead to a reduction in car parking use and income…For retailers this would mean a further reduction in income at a time when circumstances are already proving to be difficult.’
John Bates quite clearly feels that the retail sector in Morecambe cannot handle a further loss of income, as the area has already been hit rather heavily.
During these tough economic times, many believe councils should be looking to grow their way out of the recession.
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