Plans to scrap free parking and increase parking charges in Holbeach and Spalding is under fire

Cash-strapped South Holland District Council has come under fire for scrapping free parking and hiking up charges at ten of its sites.

The district council is planning a raft of increases at its Spalding sites from April and will also be introducing a £1 fee at the Boston Road South car park in Holbeach – where currently shoppers enjoy two hours for free.

But there is some good news in the budget as the council will be offering free parking on a Sunday at its sites – but motorists will need to get a ticket.

Last week, councillors agreed to increase its share of the tax bills by 3% and leader, Coun Nick Worth, has previously warned that all of the extra cash would be swallowed up by the levy to fund the vital work of our internal drainage boards. The authority has been lobbying the Government to find new ways to fund these authorities.

Holbeach councillor and deputy leader of the district’s cabinet, Coun Tracey Carter, called for free parking to be reinstated for the town.

Get the latest news to your inbox – sign up to The Briefing

Speaking at the last full council meeting Coun Carter said: “People may find it strange to that that I am going to speak out against the budget.

“I have been very concerned and do want to raise issues with regards to Holbeach parking.

“Do I feel Holbeach is being treated unfairly? Yes I do. Other towns receive free car parking and I appreciate that Spalding is not there to subsidise all the car parks. I will continue to fight for Holbeach to have free parking.”

The plans to introduce parking fees to Holbeach – which includes a £1.50 all day charge - were also raised by fellow ward member Sophie Hutchinson, who warned that it could cause harm to the town.

She said: “I asked the public what they thought about the increased parking charges and they raised several concerns about the loss of two hour free parking. Reduced footfall at the high street, doctors surgery will have to pay or park on the road.

Get the news delivered straight to your inbox every morning - sign up to The Briefing here

“Paying for parking or parking on the road will cause even more congestion.”

Porfolio holder for assets and planning Henry Bingham said that the authority had taken ‘careful consideration’ of keeping the charges to a minimum.

He said: “Holbeach may seem like it is getting the worst end of it but Holbeach has an abundance of free car parks surrounding this car park.

“We are looking at investing in our car parks in Holbeach to continue to give the service. It cannot be subsidised by other assets. Hopefully we will see a lot of charges across the car parks. We will keep it under review.”

Spalding will also be seeing a raft of increases for its car parks from April.

Currently a one hour charge at the Sheep Market car park is £1 but this will be rising to £1.50 while there are also changed planned for the Westlode Street site.

The existing two charges at this site – £1 for two hours and £2 for four hours – will be replaced by the following: £1.20 for one hour, £1.80 for two, £2.80 for four and £3 for the day.

Charges will also be rising at the Vine Street car park which currently range from £1 for an hour to £2.50 for four. These increases range from £1.20 for an hour and £2.80 for four.

Bosses will be introducing a £4 all day car parking fee at the Victoria Street Car Park along with increases for its other charges.

All day parking fees of £3 will remain at the Holland Road, The Vista and Holland Market sites but its other fees will also be rising

Are you happy to pay more for car parking? Post a comment below.