Plans to increase parking charges in Barnard Castle have been condemned by the town’s mayor.
Cllr Paul Ing, who runs an antiques shop in the town, says the county council car parks should be made free for two hours, similar to the system along Market Place and Horse Market.
However, Durham County Council’s cabinet approved a medium-term financial plan which proposes increases in parking charges throughout the region.
The council believes it will raise an additional £565,000 through the changes.
A report to the cabinet said: “Additional income generation can be raised through modest increases in parking tariffs in Durham (30p per half hour) and 10p per hour in other car park zones in places such as Barnard Castle, Bishop Auckland, Chester-Le-Street, and Seaham.”
But Cllr Ing is not impressed.
He said: “Going to Morrisons and putting that up is just crazy. All those people who do drive in will start shopping from home.
“Morrisons won’t exist anymore. If Morrisons doesn’t exist, other shops won’t exist.
“If anything, in Morrisons car park, it should be two hours free. After two hours, charge a fiver a day. For the town to carry on expanding and thriving, it should be two hours free.
“Recently there has been a new traffic warden in town and she has been imposing the two-hour parking limit and being very visible.
“That is the lifeblood of a lot of businesses in town, while she is on duty we on occasion can even deliver to our shop front door because people are turning over that quickly.
“A two-hour parking system works like a dream if it is enforced. It creates a lot more footfall.”
He argued that people in neighbouring villages who might come into town to buy essentials and become passing trade for other business, are instead travelling to places like Lidl where parking is free.
Cllr Ing said: “I do think with the two-hour system that is in place people don’t go to Lidl as much because they can park in town. Look at the quality of shops we have got, look at the bakers we have got. We are spoilt for choice.
“It is thriving and we have got some unique selling points.”
He added: “It is all about revenue for Durham County Council. It is not about controlling anything – it is about getting more money into Durham County Council coffers in any way they can.”
