Petition launched to tackle Sunday parking charges in Tamworth
A petition has been launched against the introduction of parking charges on a Sunday in Tamworth. The organiser of the petition argues the introduction of charges ‘threatens to destroy the very fabric of this community’.
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The controversial move was signed off in the budget last week after being backed by Labour councillors. Now the petition, which was started over the weekend, has been signed by more than 1000 residents across Tamworth.
As the petition has been signed by more than 1000 residents under the rules of Tamworth Borough Council the matter is set to be debated in the council chamber. This could mean the measure is reversed.
Councillor Richard Kingstone states: “My hometown, Tamworth, known for its local businesses and heritage offer, is under threat. The Labour controlling group’s decision to introduce Sunday car parking charges threatens to destroy the very fabric of this community.
“The small businesses that give life and character to our town centre are in real danger of shutting down due to these irrational charges. It’s not a future anyone envisioned for Tamworth.
“The imposition of these Sunday fees is not an inevitability but a choice. It can be overturned. Many other towns have championed local businesses by maintaining free parking on Sundays. According to the Federation of Small Businesses (2018), areas that provide free parking see a 20 per cent increase in footfall in retail sectors.
“We need to place a similar priority on supporting local businesses. It’s time we compel the powers that be – the Labour controlling group, to reverse this detrimental decision. Sign our petition to voice out against the Sunday car parking fees, stand up for our local businesses, and preserve the heritage of Tamworth.”
Responding at the budget meeting over the decision, Councillor Nova Arkney, portfolio holder for infrastructure, heritage and local economy said: “I do recall there was a cross party all member consultation on car parking and the idea of Sunday parking came out of a cross party conversation.
“I would say that since 2010 there has been no increase in car parking at all in Tamworth, the latest represents about a 22 per cent increase across all of our tariffs, while there is a 50 per cent increase in inflation. So it’s much below the inflation rate.
“I think we value our town as a tourist destination like Lichfield, like Stratford, like other places where people want to go. I think people want to come to Tamworth and therefore will pay a small fee on a Sunday to park and use our facilities.
“A fee which means we are able to make an income for Tamworth Council and deliver more important services to our residents.”
