LEADER readers have given a mixed reaction to plans to charge at free car parks.
As reported yesterday, new charges could be introduced in Buckley, Connah’s Quay and Flint.
Under the Flintshire Council (FCC) plans, motorists would pay 20p per hour for up to three hours or £2 all day, between 8am and 3pm Monday to Saturday.
The issue has prompted a high level of debate on our Leader Live website, with several readers expressing opposition to the plans.
‘Melvin’ said they lived near the Bistre Avenue car park, Buckley and feared people may start parking on their premises if charges are introduced.
They added: “I can easily see me finding more and more random people parked in my spaces if this goes through. We already have problems when the car park is full.”
‘Dr Indahows’ wrote: “So FCC didn’t introduce parking charges when our high streets were full of shops but would like to introduce a charge now that they are not?
“Can't argue with the prices, remembering to carry 20p pieces is a problem, not paying the amount.
“But surely the best option is to make the high streets a place that is worth visiting before applying charges. Who wants to pay any amount of money to discover that most shops are now empty?”
‘Findil’ wrote: “Holywell is dying on its feet anyway and you [FCC] plan to increase the charges? I work in Holywell and currently pay around £65 a year for a parking permit, which is fine. “Under the new proposed plans I would have to find just short of £500!”
But not every reader was opposed to car parking charges or believed the impact would be great on the towns where they could be introduced.
‘Stapler12’ wrote: “If the car parks cost money to run then they should be charged? I can’t see why the council should subsidise free stuff when there is economic hardship.”
‘Lindopski’ wrote: “I have lived in Deeside my whole life and the only places my car goes here is outside my own house, Morrisons and Asda – and that’s it.
“As for the likes of Flint, Holywell or Mold, I very seldom visit them either, once or twice a year at best.
“What’s the point when Chester and Wrexham are so accessible (even by bus/train) and far better for a decent shop.”