Traders criticise proposed parking charges

Small market traders say proposed higher parking charges could see them lose customers.

Wiltshire Council has approved a review of charges, which would include increasing on-street and off-street parking tariffs and extending chargeable hours.

Philippa Huber, a photographer who works from The Shambles Market Hall in Devizes, said: "We need to keep encouraging people to come, not put in more inconveniences or price hikes in their way to deter them."

Wiltshire Council said the proposed tariffs would help maintain fairness and support essential transport services.

If the proposed changes go ahead, there would be a 20% increase in parking charges and Sunday rates will be in line with weekday prices.

On-street parking fees on Sundays would also return to Salisbury.

The review could also see chargeable hours extended to 7am to 7pm.

Stained glass artist Sara Wishart, who also works from The Shambles Market Hall in Devizes, said roadworks in the area had already led to fewer customers.

"We're suffering with people not coming in already, it affects us directly," she said.

Chris Greenwood, a parish councillor for Rowde near Devizes, said the rising charges would "drive people further away from the town" and people were already avoiding the area due to traffic problems.

Councillor Martin Smith, cabinet member for highways at Wiltshire Council, said he understood the frustrations felt in the town and the temporary roadworks would be over "fairly soon".

"The last time parking charges were increased was in 2022 and parking charges, meanwhile, have not increased by a single penny, and that's unfortunately why we need an increase now," he added.

A public consultation on the proposed plans is expected to take place in the spring.

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