Scores of residents urged city council leaders to rethink “discriminatory” new charges at a car park used by GP patients, shoppers and Sunday churchgoers. Westbury Hill, in Westbury-on-Trym, is one of 10 district car parks across Bristol, which are currently free, where pay and display is being introduced.
But furious locals fear the new fees of £1 per hour, seven days a week, could “destroy” businesses and voluntary organisations and unfairly penalise patients visiting the doctor’s surgery at the back of the car park and those attending Sunday services at the neighbouring parish and Methodist churches. A total of 53 public forum statements opposing the plans were submitted to Bristol City Council cabinet – all of them about the same car park.
Many urged changes to the proposals, which were approved at the meeting, to include a half-hour free stay and abandon Sunday fees. Mayor Marvin Rees said conversations with residents could still be had about the details, despite the decision on Tuesday, January 24.
Read more: List of free car parks in Bristol that will become pay and display
Westbury-on-Trym and Henleaze ward Conservative Cllr Geoff Gollop said he understood the measure was needed to raise funds for the cash-strapped council but “it should not be done to the detriment of the local community”. He told the Labour cabinet: “We need a viable community and business community within Westbury-on-Trym to continue to generate that income for the future.
“The current proposals are a threat to that. We have a real concern. To have 53 statements within the space of a week demonstrates the strength of feeling in the community.
“All I’m asking is please consult with us and residents, not about stopping this scheme but how we can make this work in a way that will constructively engage and encourage the local economy, not threaten it, encourage the volunteer organisations and not destroy them. We know these organisations are struggling and this sort of threat could finish off businesses and voluntary organisations.”
A statement submitted by Cllr Gollop and fellow Tory ward councillors Sharon Scott and Steve Smith to the meeting said: “This car park also contains the local GPs’ surgery. Many spaces are taken for brief periods while patients attend.
“It seems unreasonable and unfair to force patients, many of whom are older and inevitably unwell, to pay to visit the surgery. The neighbouring church hall is used for youth groups and classes for children.
“Parents drop off and collect and only park for very short spells. We are concerned that patients will be discouraged, bank customers will choose other locations and the reduction in passing trade will risk the viability of remaining High Street businesses.”
They asked for Sunday charges to be either scrapped or start from 1pm so Sunday church service attendees were not forced to pay. Karen Self, a resident, said: “The proposal is discriminatory against people with disabilities and churchgoers, who are not able to find street parking for free elsewhere and walk the distance.”
Cabinet member for transport Cllr Don Alexander said: “Introducing these fees will discourage all-day parking, maximise use of space and ensure effective turnover of spaces to support the local economy. Just like other car parks there would be no charge or time limit for blue badge holders.
“Not every local authority now offers free parking to blue badge holders. There is obviously a cost to offering that all over the city, and if we want well-maintained car parks, there must be a realistic income stream.”
Mr Rees said: “Managing the city space and finances isn’t easy. There are conversations to be had about what we do and Don would welcome that.”
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