James Evans MS is supportive of calls for the Lib Dem/Labour run Council to go further still and introduce a policy where the first 30 minutes parking across Powys are free.
Powys County Council’s recent u-turn on parking charges to reintroduce a 1 hour tariff, has been welcomed by residents and local businesses alike. The controversial changes were brought in last year and after much criticism the one hour option chargeable at £1.50 has been reintroduced.
A 30-minute free period has been introduced in many towns across the UK and is proven to be a boost for quick visits to local shops and businesses. Independent County Councillors, led by Cllr Beverley Baynham, have also called on Powys to consider similar, citing the example of the Highland Council that offer 30 minutes free parking.
James Evans MS said:
“Businesses in our town centres are telling me they are struggling with higher costs, staffing shortages and lower numbers of shoppers.
"The Lib Dem/Labour run Council could be supporting our High Streets by making parking more affordable and introducing a 30-minute free tariff. Instead, they appear to see our car parks as cash cows, and not recognising the importance of getting people into our town centres to boost the local economy.”
