CONTROVERSIAL plans to bring in Sunday parking charges to a Hampshire city have been scrapped.
Winchester roads chiefs have axed their bid for the charges after complaints from traders and residents.
The scheme was due to be discussed by the city council’s Cabinet next Wednesday, but has now been dropped.
Traders have welcomed the move, having raised concerns that charges would drive shoppers away.
Many residents also slammed the plans, and called on the council to find other ways to balance its books.
Council leader councillor George Beckett said: “The council has been asking local opinion on a variety of different ways to help us balance the budget and a charge for Sunday parking was one of them.
”I have listened carefully to representatives of the business community about the negative impact this could have on Winchester in these difficult trading times, and I have come to the conclusion that we should not introduce the charge at this time.”
Alex Handford, business manager of Hampshire Farmers’ Markets, said that traders and visitors to the Winchester market, which is held every second Sunday and is Britain’s largest, had criticised the scheme.
She said: “We’re absolutely delighted that the charges will not be brought in. It will certainly be welcomed by the vendors and also by the shoppers.
“At our last market we did receive complaints from a couple of visitors about the parking idea, and they said how disgusted they would be if Sunday charges were brought in.”
Keith Wilson, contracts and compliance manager for the Business Improvement District, said: “This would have been the wrong moment to introduce charges for parking on Sundays and I’m sure that local businesses will welcome this decision.”
Councillor Therese Evans, leader of the opposition Lib Dems, said: “It was a hasty proposal which was withdrawn just as hastily as it was introduced.
“I think it was something that was not thought through, and might have cost as much to run as it would have raised.”
The council had hoped to raise £50,000 by introducing a £1 fee on Sundays. By retaining free parking, it remains in line with Eastleigh, Romsey and Andover.
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