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Parking charges extended until midnight - COMMENT ON THIS STORY
NIGHT-TIME parking charges could be extended in Scarborough – up to midnight.
The proposed parking regime follows the re-opening of the Open Air Theatre which has attracted thousands of people but it could also affect people who park to go for an evening stroll or a night out.
A report has been put forward by Scarborough Council outlining a new 6pm to midnight parking levy.
The council is proposing a fixed charge of 5-6 for an extra six hours parking near the new North Bay venue.
The charges will be imposed on theatre event nights only, and will include an extra 5.50 for coach parking after 6pm.
Car parks affected would include:Burniston Road, Marine Drive, Northstead Lower and Upper, Royal Albert Drive, Victoria Park and William Street, where charges currently finish at 6pm.
John Riby, head of technical services at the council, which produced the report, said; "On event days selected local car parks will become prime parking and traffic generating sites and it was therefore agreed that these should be subject to a 'differential charging regime' to help manage demand."
Mr Riby says the council needs to cater for an estimated maximum of 941 vehicles when shows are being staged.
However the new charging plans face a late challenge. Cllr Andrew Backhouse, cabinet portfolio holder of Highways and Transport has expressed deep concerns.
Cllr Backhouse, who was asked to take an individual cabinet decision on the report, said: "I felt there hadn't been discussions with the ward councillors, and most importantly I felt it was inappropriate to implement parking charges that would inconvenience other businesses, residents, and tourists in the area who are not at the Open Air Theatre.
"We go down there as a family because we know after 6pm we can park for free and have a lovely walk. And 6 to park between 6pm and midnight? I'm sorry but I'm not happy about that. The council will be seen to be opportunistic, and I don't feel we should be going down the road of a blanket charge."
Cllr Backhouse has suggested matters be referred to the council's Parking Working Group for more consideration.
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Saturday 26 May 2012
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