Plymouth waterfront parking charges dropped after public concerns
After previously approving wider parking charge increases across the area, Plymouth City Council has announced a significant update to plans for two of its waterfront car parks
Plymouth City Council has dropped plans to introduce parking charges at two popular waterfront car parks after listening to feedback from residents and businesses.
The authority confirmed on Wednesday (July 16) that it will no longer pursue proposals to introduce charges at Jennycliff and Mount Batten car parks "at this time".
The decision marks a change in direction after the council previously announced it would carry out statutory consultation on introducing charges at the two waterfront locations, alongside Strand Street car park and Blue Badge parking on the Hoe Promenade.
As previously reported by The Moorlander, the original proposals formed part of the council's annual review of parking charges and were intended to help meet rising costs while maintaining income for parking services.
The plans prompted concern from residents, with some arguing that charging at popular coastal locations could discourage visitors and affect people who regularly use the areas for walking, recreation and exercise.
A petition was also launched calling for three hours of free parking at Jennycliff.
In an update, Plymouth City Council said the proposals had been amended following feedback received from stakeholders and the public.
A council spokesperson said: "Recent proposals to introduce charges at some of Plymouth's car parks have been amended in response to general feedback from stakeholders and the public."
The council said that while it faced "significant budget challenges" and needed to cover the costs of maintaining and improving parking services, Cabinet members had decided not to proceed with charges at Jennycliff and Mount Batten.
Councillor John Stephens, Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning and Transport, said: "We have been, and will continue, engaging with residents and other stakeholders on our approach to charging for parking in the city. At the same time, we must always ensure that the service remains financially sustainable.
"Having considered the informal feedback we've received we will not be looking to introduce charges at Jennycliff and Mount Batten car parks for the time being."
The council has not abandoned all of the proposals announced earlier this year.
Plans to introduce charges for Blue Badge parking in the off-road parking area on the Hoe Promenade will still go out to statutory consultation later this month, allowing members of the public to comment before any final decision is made.
Meanwhile, proposed charges at Strand Street car park, near the Cremyll Ferry, have been put on hold following representations from ward councillors.
The council said the site will instead be considered as part of a wider review of parking provision across the Stonehouse peninsula, with the aim of supporting both residents and businesses while ensuring consistency across the area.
Councillor Stephens added: "We have agreed to consult on charging for blue badge parking on the Hoe Promenade as planned, recognising both the need for consistency across our car parks and the importance of protecting parking services in the longer term, given ever-increasing costs."