Welshpool car park price review verdict: “I’m very unhappy”

The Welshpool county councillor who has been leading Welshpool’s calls for the one-hour parking option to return to Powys council car parks has said he is “very unhappy” about recommendations released today.

A pricey and lengthy review into parking provision was launched last year after the one-hour parking option was removed.

And today it was confirmed that it will return to long-stay car parks where a town doesn’t have any short stay facility, meaning that Welshpool will miss out.

And in a double whammy, the cost of 2-4hr parking and all-day stays will go up to compensate for the re-introduction, meaning that Welshpool will technically be funding cheaper parking in towns like Builth Wells, Crickhowell, Llanidloes, Machynlleth, Presteigne and Ystradgynlais.

Our original story is here

And now, Cllr Graham Breeze, who represents Welshpool Llanerchydol ward, said: “I am very unhappy with the contents of the Car Parking Review which will be discussed by the Economy, Residents and Communities Scrutiny Committee on Monday.

“And in particular with new proposals that in fact will lead to increased charges for some areas of Powys including Welshpool.

“I welcome that our recommendations for a return of the one-hour parking tariff have been recognised but I will be strongly opposing any plans which mean Welshpool’s larger car parks will not be included. Our Severn Stars Short Stay Car Park is too small, with a very limited number of spaces and is already full all day.

“As one of the councillors who asked for this review I certainly did not expect the charges to go up.

“The idea was to protect our town centres not completely close them down. Councillors are being taken for fools by these proposals.”