Parking Problems

Everyone seems to be getting very hot under the collar about parking charges at the moment.

At last week's meeting of the Federation of Small Businesses in Hastings, local traders were making the point that hefty, or indeed any, parking charges deter trade, an additional concern which they do not need in the present economic climate.

The fact that parking charges discourage trade is a view shared in Bexhill and Battle, particularly since they were introduced in Battle. As a regular user I have had no difficulty finding space in Battle car parks since charges were imposed, even in summer when they should be full of tourists.

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Rural villages with train stations are suffering increased inconvenience from commuter parking in neighbouring streets and lanes as drivers try to avoid charges. Thoughtless parking, even if it is legal, can still interfere with trade at village shops.

That must therefore be three good and valid reasons for lifting parking charges.

However, with fuel prices going down and train fares increasing quite drastically in our corner of the country, the lifting of parking charges is another step towards increased use of the car. How do we reconcile this with efforts to combat climate change? It must be only a short term solution.

We MUST improve our public transport system !

For more than 8 years now local Liberal Democrats have been calling for proper investment in public transport such as the implementation of a metro system in Bexhill with a new station at Glyne Gap running through to Cooden Beach.

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If the Government can borrow money to support the banking industry and provide loans for the car industry, then the inevitable, increasing, public debt could also be used to make a positive investment in our public transport and energy provision industries. With unemployment rising, this would provide jobs for those currently laid off from the construction industry. It is also a great opportunity to provide us with cleaner greener transport and energy.