Seaford: Traders attack 'madcap' parking fees

At a meeting of the council s planning and highways committee on Monday, Seaford Chamber of Commerce president Ted Cowdrey slated proposals which could see charges triple.

He said increases would devastate business for town centre traders by forcing shoppers to use out of town shopping centres.

He added: This is a madcap and potentially disastrous hike in car parking charges.

Lewes District Council has proposed increases in Sutton Road, East Street, West Street and Saxon Lane.

Charges could rise from 25p to 40p for one hour, 30p to 45p for two hours, 35p to 50p for three hours, 40p to 55p for four hours, 45p to 65p for five hours and 50p to 70p for up to 10 hours.

In Richmond Road prices would increase from 45p to 60p for one hour and 50p to 70p for up to 10 hours.

Councillors agreed with traders concerns.

Cllr John Freeman said: This hits at the very viability of our town s lifeblood.

Prosperous

Cllr Julian Peterson added: 'Low parking prices help keep the town centre vibrant. We want to encourage Seaford to be prosperous and one way to do this is to have reasonable car parking prices.'

Lewes District Council has estimated increased parking fees could generate up to 106,000 which would be used to pay for better recycling facilities.

But the Mayor, Cllr Les Whittle, said: It is wrong to penalise one section of the community for any service burden. It should be a burden on all, not a penalty on car users.

Council Leader Laurie Holland recommended they write to the district council with their concerns and their own proposals for parking increases.

These were: half-hour, 20p; one hour, 30p; two hours, 40p; three hours, 50p; four hours, 60p; five hours, 70p; and five to 10 hours 1.

Cllr Holland said: This addresses the problem for people that want to come in to town for short periods of time and people who wish to stay longer than the normal shopping period.

Speaking after the meeting Mr Cowdrey suggested that instead of driving traffic away from town centres by increasing car parking fees, income could be generated by supermarkets being forced to pay a levy on each free parking space they provide.

Published: 14.6.01 Sussex Newspapers Ltd