The ten-year strategy, which was approved at a meeting of the full council on Wednesday (December 9), includes plans to review parking charges, something which has not been done since 2012. This could mean village car parks, which until now have been free, could introduce charges. The strategy also explored expanding some of the busier car parks and using better technology such as electric vehicle charging points and apps which could enable people to book a space before even getting in the car. No details were given about how this would be enforceable. Stephen Hillier, cabinet member for economic growth, said of the strategy’s aims: “First and foremost is to see that our car parks support the local economy in all of our towns and villages, such as by ensuring that valuable spaces are not occupied by single vehicles all day. “To date we’ve pretty much had a one size fits all regime across the district but this strategy gives us the framework and the evidence base to tailor our charges to each individual car park in each individual community.” A report to the meeting showed that parking charges in Mid Sussex are lower than in much of the rest of the county – £1.10 on average for a two-hour stay compared to £2.25 in Horsham, Crawley and Chichester. Concerns were raised about the possibility of introducing charges in village car parks, with Rodney Jackson (Lib Dem, Hurstpierpoint & Downs) pointing out that they were ‘crucial to maintaining the viability of the shops and businesses in the high street’. However, Mr Hillier and others said there was evidence that some parking spaces were being ‘clogged up all day by commuters’ rather than being available to shoppers – with some even leaving their vehicles in the car parks overnight. The strategy has been in the pipeline since March but had to be reviewed after the pandemic changed the economic playing field. A £60,000 budget has been set to deliver the first year aims of the Action Plan, which include a review of charges and work to develop digital and online tickets. One issue raised by several councillors involved the environmental impact of car parks and the possibility of looking at other options to encourage people to walk and cycle more as well as using public transport. Mr Hillier said: “While we would love [it] if everybody travelled by cycle, by walking and by public transport, the fact is that does not happen. “Yes we will always promote sustainable travel and try to nudge and encourage our residents to be environmentally responsible but there is a balance. “And I believe we have got the right balance here.”
