Plans for coastal parking charges scrapped

Proposals to introduce parking charges at some coastal car parks in Plymouth have been scrapped.

Plymouth City Council wanted to introduce a £2 charge for stays of more than one hour at the currently free Jennycliff, Mount Batten and Strand Street car parks, in a bid to "meet significant budget challenges".

The authority previously said it wanted to bring charges in line with other comparable cities across the country to "maintain the income needed to continue delivering key parking services".

However cabinet members have made a U-turn and will not be implementing a charge at either the Jennycliff or Mount Batten car parks, following a backlash from stakeholders and the public.

Hundreds of people signed a petition in March calling for three hours of free parking at Jennycliff.

John Stephens, the city council's cabinet member for transport, said the authority had and would continue to engage with residents and other stakeholders on its approach to charging for parking in the city.

"At the same time, we must always ensure that the service remains financially sustainable."

He said after considerations around the informal feedback the council would not look to introduce charges at Jennycliff and Mount Batten at the current time.

The council also said proposed charges for the Strand Street car park would be "reconsidered as part of a review of car park provision which will aim to support both residents and businesses".

However, Stephens said plans to bring in fees for Blue Badge holders to park on Plymouth Hoe would be advertised as planned and people would be able to share their views before any final decisions were made.

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