Timing of Lewes parking charges hikes is ill-considered

Regarding Lewes street pay and display charges set to double article in the Sussex Express:

The timing of these increases seems very ill- considered. The High Street retailers, particularly the independents, have had to struggle with the significant increase in business rates, then loss of business due to Covid19. Now just as we have eased lockdown, the council is doubling the parking charges. It’s not like public transport is a particularly attractive option at the moment because of Covid19.

For myself, as a resident in the centre of town I will benefit from fewer cars parking in my street.

However, I’m not sure my needs are greater than those of the many local businesses struggling to survive.