Parking charges in Bognor to leap

The inflation-busting rise is being planned by Arun District Council as it seeks to hike a wide range of the charges.

The huge increase '“ equal to 15 times the increase in the retail price index of inflation '“ applies to annual permits for the Fitzleet multi-storey car park.

It will take the cost of the passes from 88 to 100 from April 1.

But it is not even the largest of the proposed price rises. That dubious accolade goes to summer permits for the seasonal car parks at Hotham Park, Gloucester Road, Rock Gardens, West Park in Aldwick and Felpham's Culver Road.

Those passes will rise 18.6 per cent from 59 to 70 if the council's proposals take effect.

Bognor Regis Chamber of Commerce chairman and president Nick Stuart Nicolson said: "Everyone needs to be doing everything they can to support our town centre. We've lost Woolworths and some other stores and we should all be pulling together to help the remaining shops stay open.

"Putting up parking charges by such a large amount is not the way to do that."

Arun's director of services, Colin Rogers, has advertised the council's intention to increase charges for its car parks.

A consultation period about the rises will last until March 6 before a final decision is taken.

An Arun spokeswoman said: "Charges for summer and town centre car parking in Arun have not been increased since April 1, 2007, but to combat the effect of inflation the council must periodically increase the charges.

"Our car parking charges still compare favourably to other towns in the area."

PROPOSED charges, (current charges) are:

Regis Centre, Hothamton '“ up to one hour 70p (65p); two hours 1.40 (1.30); three hours 2.10 (1.95); four hours 2.80 (2.60); more than four hours 6 (6).

Lyon Street '“ up to one hour 1.10 (1.05); two hours 2.20 (2.10); more than two hours 3.40 (3.20).

London Road '“ up to one hour 55p (50p); two hours 1.10 (1); more than two hours: 1.60 (1.55).

Fitzleet '“ up to two hours 50p (45p); three hours 1.70 (1.65); four hours 2.30 (2.20); more than four hours 5 (5).

Gloucester Road, Hotham Park, Culver Road, Rock Gardens '“ up to two hours 1.10 (1.05); four hours 3.25 (3.15); more than four hours 6.50 (6.30).

Permits

Town centre car parks '“ five-day annual 350 (323), seven-day annual 400 (372), seven-day monthly 85 (78).

Fitzleet car park '“ annual 100 (88).

Seasonal car parks '“ annual 120 (103), summer 70 (59), winter 50 (44).