Support our discount parking campaign

12:20pm Friday 9th May 2008

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THE Wiltshire Times today launches its campaign for fairer parking charges on behalf of workers in all west Wiltshire towns.

Backed by the Trowbridge Chamber of Commerce and with involvement from the Wessex Association of Chambers of Commerce, we have launched The Price Ain't Right campaign to call for affordable parking for the thousands of people who work in Trowbridge and the other four towns.

On June 16 West Wiltshire District Council takes over the enforcement of on-street parking regulations in the district from police.

Two parking wardens, known as civic enforcement officers, have already been recruited to hand out fines of up to £70 for illegal parking.

This is likely to lead to an overwhelming demand for spaces in public car parks, particularly in Trowbridge, and a typical worker will end up paying £60 a month just to park in the town.

Residents of the five towns can purchase permits to park in their designated local car park for £150 each year.

A similar permit for a non-resident costs more than £400 - meaning thousands of workers are being hit hard in the pocket.

We are asking people to sign our petition and support our campaign to introduce a fair and affordable permit for employees of businesses who work all of the five towns.

The campaign takes the form of a two-pronged request because of the need for a clear and considered strategy for the future of car parking in Trowbridge. With public car parks set to be lost in the county town as developments move forward, the number of spaces available for workers is also cause for concern.

Bruce Whitfield, president of Trowbridge Chamber of Commerce, said: "I firmly believe that employees who work in Trowbridge, and the other towns, should have access to an affordable parking permit.

"I run a business in the town centre and I am only too aware of the problems of parking that are set to hit us. Workers are also under increasing financial pressures because of petrol costs, food prices and energy bills among other things.

"The Chamber of Commerce is right behind the campaign."

Wiltshire Times editor Andy Sambidge said: "Trowbridge and the other west Wiltshire towns will really suffer if workers are discouraged from taking positions in the area.

"Join our campaign to make parking fees fairer for the workers."