Craven’s free car parks could be under threat (From Craven Herald)

Craven’s free car parks could be under threat

11:17am Thursday 11th October 2012 in News

Free car parks could be made pay and display following a review by Craven District Council.

Parish and town councils could also take over responsibility for their village car parks as well as come up with alternative uses found for the sites.

The district council, which two years ago tried and failed to introduce charging at several of its currently- free car parks following opposition from ward councillors and the county council, is reviewing its future management of its car parking provision.

And it is asking all town and parish councils to consult with residents and come back with their views.

Coun John Roberts (Cons), chairman of the council’s overview and scrutiny committee, said he wanted to make sure that consultation was as open and transparent as possible.

“We’re asking for the views of parish councils and not only those in wards with car parks, because people from other areas also use the car parks,” he said.

Councils are being asked to consult residents on whether charging would be a good thing and what the local demand was for spaces.

They are also being asked to consult on the level of charging, whether they would support taking over management and whether alternative uses could be an option.

Coun Roberts added that overnight parking of HGVs in council car parks and coach parking would also be taken into account.

There was also the issue of some places being tourist destinations with a greater requirement for visitor parking.

“We need to be fair to the ratepayers of Craven and there is the insurance and overheads of these car parks to be taken into account and that has to be paid for by the council,” he said.

The council has 27 free and paid-for car parks ranging from the 413-space paid-for Coach Street Car Park in Skipton to the free, seven space car park in Water Street, Gargrave.

Motorists currently park for free in car parks in Bentham, Cononley, Cross Hills, Embsay, Farnhill, Gargrave, Settle and Hellifield.

Pay and display car parks currently operate in Skipton, Ingleton and Settle.

The overview and scrutiny committee will consider parking at its meetings on Thursday, October 25 and again on Monday, November 12.

It will then present its recommendations to the council’s policy committee.