Proposed parking fee increases in Bury St Edmunds could reach 20%, sparking concerns from business leaders about economic impact.
West Suffolk Council plans to raise fees. Council members will discuss it on Tuesday, when car park prices in Bury could rise by 20p.
Mark Cordell leads Our Bury St Edmunds BID, and he finds the proposals disappointing. Businesses face rising operating costs, and Cordell thinks this could hurt the town.
Cordell says Bury is being penalized because of the town’s success. He worries the council will harm the town, believing their goal is short-term income.
Ram Meadow car park prices may rise; three hours could cost £3, up from £2.50. All-day parking may cost £3.50, up from £3.
A weekly ticket might cost £10.50, up from £9, and eight weeks could cost £84, up from £72. Annual tickets may rise nearly £80, going from £468 to £546.
Town center short-stay fees could increase 20p. Cattlemarket car park might charge £3.20 for two hours, and four hours there could cost £6.20.
The RingGo mobile app fee returns at 20p, but West Suffolk Council leader Cliff Waterman says the app fee is optional. People can still pay by cash or card.
Waterman says they worked to keep fees low, but the council faces rising costs. He does not think it will hurt businesses, believing Bury is still appealing.
Waterman says they avoided broad increases, wanting to protect people from rising costs. Bury is cheaper than Ipswich or Norwich, and he feels it gives great value.
Cordell warns about business price increases, which, with parking hikes, could hurt the economy. He says last year’s foot traffic might not last.
Cllr Beccy Hopfensperger also criticized the changes; she leads the Conservative Group opposition. She believes it adds another burden during hard times.
Hopfensperger says Ram Meadow is for workers, and this feels like a tax on them, adding to their rising costs. Higher parking fees deter visitors.
She states they must support residents and businesses and should not make things harder. The last core tariff increase was in 2021.
Waterman knows businesses face pressure, and he says they are helping as much as they can. They invest in the town center, like the market, and free parking continues after 3pm on Tuesdays.