NEWS RELEASES
Car parking proposals for Billingshurst
25 June 2008
COMMENTS are being sought on proposals to improve car parking in the centre of the village of Billingshurst.
A number of local residents, traders and others have urged Horsham District Council to come up with a solution to the lack of long term parking provision for retail or other businesses plus the introduction of charges in the privately owned Jengers Mead access road and car park – all of which have contributed to the difficulties experienced by shoppers preferring not to park nearby to gain access to the shops.
The proposals have now been put together by Horsham District Council, working closely with Billingshurst Parish Council, Billingshurst Community Partnership, the local Chamber of Commerce and village traders.
Subject to feedback on the proposals and discussion at the County Area Committee, it is proposed that disc parking is introduced in the village centre which allows the first two hours of parking free of charge.
A voucher scheme would then be in place for anyone wanting to park for over this time at a rate of 50 pence an hour up to a maximum of five hours a day.
Anyone parking for five hours a day would therefore pay £1.50.
Parking would be free all day on Sundays and Bank Holidays.
A number of spaces would also be allocated in village car parks for long term car parking permits which would cost £2.30 a week (or £120 per annum).
The proposals cover the High Street area of the village and all adjoining public car parks, namely the Library car park and the Six Bells car park.
It is expected that the agreed new car parking regime would start in the village centre in January 2009.
Speaking recently, Cllr Roger Paterson, Cabinet Member for the Local Economy at Horsham District Council, said:
“We have been asked by many local people in the interests of the local economy to come up with a solution to help shoppers and local people get to the centre of the village.
“Currently the village centre’s limited car parking spaces are mostly being taken up all day by long term car parkers.
“Parking disc schemes already operate successfully in other villages in the Horsham District and I hope this can be the same in Billingshurst.”
Patrick Perks, Chairman of Billingshurst Community Partnership, added:
“After much discussion at our Partnership meetings it is felt that these proposals are as fair as one can get for all users of the Horsham District Council car parks in Billingshurst.”
Acting Chairman of Billingshurst Chamber of Commerce, Ken Johnson, stated:
“This short term interim solution is dearly needed by the businesses in the centre of Billingshurst, who are not only finding they face a serious loss of trade, but also find deliveries to their shops are difficult, whilst their ability to park vehicles required for their business is severely restricted by the costs involved.”
Comments can be made to Bryan Vines, Transport Services Manager, Horsham District Council, Park North, North Street, Horsham, West Sussex RH12 1RL, email parking@horsham.gov.uk, or telephone 01403 215055
The closing date for replies is 11 July 2008.
Ends
CONTACT: Richard Morris, Communications Manager
Email: richard.morris@horsham.gov.uk