PRICE hikes are in the pipeline for Tavistock?s Guildhall Square car park, following a meeting of the town council last week.
Following the rise in fees in borough council-owned car parks, which have provoked outrage among town traders, town councillors have decided to raise charges in the short-stay Guildhall car park from 20p to 30p for half an hour. The hour charge rises from 40p to 60p.
Changes will also be introduced for disabled drivers. At present, blue badge holders can park for three hours free, and pay just an hour?s fee for the fourth hour.
Cllr Alison Clish-Green suggested the town council parking price structure for disabled drivers be the same as that used by the borough, which allows two hours? parking for a one hour fee.
?I think we need to re-visit this,? she said.
Cllr Betty Batchelor said: ?I am concerned we have already lost facilities for disabled parking in Pepper Street and North Street.
?To do business in the town can be a great hardship for disabled people and it can force us to go elsewhere.
?I would have thought the town council could at least show some thought for disabled people.?
Cllr Batchelor asked if a disabled bay could be marked out in Market Road, which was owned by the town council.
Members agreed that disabled parking charges in the Guildhall Square car park would be brought into line with the borough policy.
The idea of a disabled bay in Market Road will be brought to a future meeting of the properties committee.
The price changes will be advertised in coming weeks.