Finding ways to drive business (From Harrow Times)

Finding ways to drive business

11:55am Friday 21st October 2011 in Your letters

I understand traders’ concern about Harrow Council’s parking review. I know how sensitive the parking issue is and do not want to do anything that hinders businesses.

Supporting local shopping centres is one of the council’s top priorities and we want to do everything we can to help.

That is why we are proposing measures like new cashless parking, that makes it easier and more convenient for motorists.

We also want to introduce parking holidays around planned events to attract more visitors to local shopping areas.

However, the current parking regime, with 15 different on-street parking charges around the borough makes no sense. Our proposal, to replace them with four zones with associated charges for on-street parking and car parks, is about creating a simpler and fairer system. It is not a money-making exercise.

This will see the cost of parking actually reduced in some parts of the borough although in others there may be a modest increase.

We have not decided on the level of charges and we will be asking businesses and residents for their views before we set them.

We want to strike a balance between ensuring that spaces are available to motorists throughout the day with a level of charging that encourages people to stop and shop.

Councillor Phillip O’Dell
portfolio holder for environment and community safety, Harrow Council