The newly formed Aylsham Business Consortium, which consists of almost 50 businesses, has offered its views on Broadland District Council’s bid to bring in parking charges at its car parks.
It says changes are needed to stop car parks being full but that bringing in charges could deter people coming to Aylsham to shop and visit.
The consortium also says a solution could be to offer free parking for three hours in council-run car parks.
Broadland Council has mooted bringing in fees for the first time at its sites in Reedham, Reepham, Brundall, Blofield, Aylsham, Acle and Coltishall in order to raise maintenance funds and improve management.
The fees at three particularly busy car parks in Reepham and Aylsham, which have a total of 185 spaces, will start at £2 for one to three hours and cost £5 for an entire day.
The scheme is expected to generate nearly £80,000 annually across these three sites alone.
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Emily Bridges, Aylsham Business Consortium chair and co-owner of The Porters Arms said: “Parking in Aylsham is a complex issue with no simple solution, and it’s clear that the current situation isn’t working for either residents or visitors, with car parks often full by 9am.
“While the proposed parking charges may help prevent overstaying in short-term space, such as the two-hour limit in the marketplace and the four-hour limit in the Burgh Road car park, local business owners are concerned that charging for parking could deter visitors, tourists, and local residents with mobility needs who rely on these car parks for town access.
“We believe offering the first three hours of parking for free would strike a balance that benefits businesses, residents, and the local authority.
“Additionally, we propose introducing a subsidised yearly parking fee for people who work in the town, which would further support the local workforce.
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“Collaborating with the town council to develop a comprehensive events calendar is one of the key initiatives of the Aylsham Business Consortium (ABC).
“These small adjustments to the proposed parking charges seem both practical and fair, and we hope to collaborate with Broadland District Council to implement these ideas effectively.”
