Andrew Dismore

letter for publication

 

Your article ‘free parking helps the rich’ ( Times 11/2/16) says it all about shortsighted Conservative Barnet Council’s unwillingness to help the borough’s  struggling high streets. Nobody is arguing for unlimited free parking, but the Times’ Campaign for 30 minutes’ free parking is a common sense solution all round.

 

Recently I was in North Finchley and stopped for a quick coffee, as I had a few minutes to spare between engagements. The parking charge more than doubled the price of  my short espresso break!

 

A limited   free parking period would make such stops more viable for people to buy small items or like me, stop for  a quick refreshment. It would not affect turnover of parking, as by definition the space would only be used for half an hour.

 

In reality the Council is more concerned about its revenues than the success of the high street, but fails to see that killing off the high street will kill off its own golden goose, as business rates income is soon to be transferred back to the local authority- and if there are fewer businesses, then there will be less income for the Council.

 

 

Andrew Dismore

Labour London Assembly Member for Barnet and Camden