THERE has been an angry reaction to the news that car parking charges could be introduced in the Thornbury area.

Parking fees across all council-run South Gloucestershire car parks look set to be launched including in Thornbury. 

The charges could raise South Gloucestershire Council £2 million a year if the plans go ahead and are due to be discussed at a cabinet meeting today, Thursday, October 5. 

However, the proposed changes have not gone well with residents or business owners. 

Liberal Democrats and Labour, who took control of the council in May, have blamed the charges on the Conservatives. 

Both parties pledged ahead of the local election in May that they would keep parking free, but they say the Tories have forced their hand. However, the Conservatives claim this is not the case. 

Gazette Series: Parking fees could be introduced at the Rock Street Car Park in ThornburyParking fees could be introduced at the Rock Street Car Park in Thornbury (Image: South Gloucestershire Council)

Chair of Thornbury Chamber of Commerce Aimee Winter-Tuck has launched an online survey and so far more than 2,000 responses have been collected. 

Ms Winter-Tuck said: “The report highlights the concerns of over 2,000 individuals who submitted their view expressing a strong disapproval of the potential car park charges.

“100 per cent of submissions strongly oppose car park charges, with residents citing the negative impact on their daily lives and the local economy. 

“Many respondents indicated that they would cease using Thornbury town if parking charges were imposed, potentially leading to economic decline for local retailers. 

“Serious concerns were raised regarding access to essential services, such as GP services and baby hubs, if parking fees are introduced, impacting health equality and accessibility.

“In light of the overwhelming public opposition and the potential adverse effects on local businesses and essential services, Thornbury Chamber recommends that SGC reevaluates the potential proposed car park charges. 

“Additionally, a more comprehensive public consultation should be conducted to gather additional feedback and explore alternative revenue generation methods.”

A SGC spokesperson said: “In order to balance our budget next year, the council is going to have to make some incredibly difficult decisions, which will impact services that people rely on.

"The choices ahead will not be easy, which is why we will be asking residents, businesses and other stakeholders about their priorities, what we might be able to do to reduce the impact of cuts or charging more for some things.

"South Gloucestershire Council, as with all local authorities in the country, do not receive the money we need from central Government to provide all the services that local people require.

"While we are calling on Government to increase funding for councils, we have to balance our books in the meantime.

"Through the consultation process we want to give local people the information they need to make informed choices when they tell us about their priorities so that members can take this into account when the decisions on next year’s budget are made.”

You can view the chamber's survey here - tinyurl.com/mr2vk8dv