The Lib / Dems have only been in five minutes and have already hatched a plan to end free carparking across the borough. The idea is going to Cabinet on Tuesday 18th July 2023.
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN?
Visitors to many open green areas in Dacorum such as Gadebridge Park, will have to pay for the privilege, if they come by car. Other currently free carparks are Canal Fields in Berkhamsted, Langley Hill and The Nap in Kings Langley and several locations in Tring.
WHY ARE THE LIB / DEMS DOING THIS?
It has been reported that the reasons behind the idea are:
- To tackle the effects of inflation on the council.
- To encourage people to spend more time in respective town centres.
- Removing free carparking is estimated to raise £2.9 million by 2026 / 7.
WHAT IS THE PLAN?
On Tuesday 18th July 2023, a decision will be made at Cabinet, whether or not to proceed with a public consultation to end free carparking across Dacorum. A date for the consultation will then be agreed. The results of the consultation will be analysed and depending on the outcome, free parking will either be abolished... or not.
If this plan goes ahead, we could soon see the end of free parking in our local (ward) shopping centres such Henry Wells Square.
WHAT CAN WE DO ABOUT IT?
So this is where you come in. There are several things you can do and we suggest that you do ALL of them!
- A petition has been organised by Conservative councillors and we’d urge you to sign it. The petition can be found here. *
- You can e-mail / write to the portfolio holder expressing your concerns. The portfolio holder is Cllr. Sally Symington. Her contact details are as follows:
| E-MAIL ADDRESS: | sally.symington@dacorum.gov.uk ** |
| POSTAL ADDRESS: | Cllr. Sally Symington, Dacorum Borough Council, The Forum, The Marlows, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire. HP1 1DN. |
- We’ll keep you posted regarding the consultation. If the idea is followed through and a public consultation follows, you should participate.
- You MUST spread the word!!!!!
* Irrespective of how many signatures are on a petition, the petition itself only counts as one comment / objection. It is therefore paramount that individuals make their voices heard.
** If you intend to e-mail Cllr. Symington, please do copy in Claire Hamilton, the CEO of Dacorum Borough Council (chiefexecutive@dacorum.gov.uk). Feel free to copy in your local councillors, too (julie.banks@dacorum.gov.uk, alexander.bhinder@dacorum.gov.uk, goverdhan.silwal@dacorum.go.uk).
WHAT SHOULD I SAY?
There are several arguments against the proposal:
- The country is stuck in a cost-of-living crisis. The idea of charging to access our open green spaces doesn’t exactly give residents confidence that the council even cares about those who are struggling to keep a roof over their heads, to feed their children and to keep their homes warm.
- Some time ago, Nature England presented a report highlighting the erosion of the Chiltern Beechwoods such as those at Ashridge. The report was so damning that any planning that hadn't been approved in the Borough, was put on hold. Nature England insisted that footfall to the Chiltern Beechwoods be reduced by providing Sustainable Access to Natural Green Spaces (SANGS). The idea of charging for parking at our green spaces, seems to go against this.
- We're just getting used to life without COVID. The period of lockdowns had a profound affect on many and mental health became a common topic for discussion. Charging for access to our green spaces, will potentially continue a negative cycle for many, especially the vulnerable.
- Dacorum has always prided itself on its facilities for families with young children. Parents can relax while kids can enjoy the wide open spaces offered by parks like Gadebridge Park. Carparking charges at places like Gadebridge Park will take away this kind of family leisure time.
- The park is used for physical activity by many Dacorum residents. Parking charges will potentially affect public health and wellbeing.
- It's inevitable that local businesses will be adversely affected if charges were imposed at the Gadebridge Park carpark.
- Senior citizens who regularly gather at Gadebridge Park carpark prior to leaving on their excursions will have to meet somewhere else.
Just put any of the above in your own words and feel free to add your own arguments.
UPDATE - 18th July 2023
At cabinet this evening, the leader of the council took the decision to defer the debate on carparking charges. No doubt due to the overwhelming response to the petition launched by Dacorum Conservatives and the reaction generated by residents to news of the idea, the matter will now be discussed at cabinet's September meeting.
We still urge residents to sign the petition and write to the portfolio holder voicing their concerns. Remember, the matter has only been deferred.