Back in 2008, I blogged about the threat to village shops in Chalfont St Giles from Chiltern District Council's car parking charges. The council dropped plans to charge for on-street parking - the reason for the blogpost. But it still charges an extortionate 60p for anyone using Blizzards Yard car park for a few minutes while they pick up a newspaper or pint of milk.
Sense has finally prevailed. The Buckinghamshire Advertiser reports that the council is introducing an hour's free parking, matching the very successful arrangement in neighbouring Chalfont St Peter. But it appears that no thanks are due to Chiltern Coumcil - it's the parish council and Chalfonts Local Area Forum who have stumped up the cash to end Chiltern Council's drive to get everyone to shop at Tesco.
It's great news, as it encourages people to use village shops and the brilliant local deli rather than go to Tesco in nearby Amersham. And it also means that people have no excuse to park illegally to avoid the punitive parking charges.
Hi Rob,
This is fantastic news! Hopefully the introduction of free parking will give a real boost to the local economy.
Best wishes, Alex
Posted by: Parking Management | December 13, 2011 at 10:54 AM