MP calls for halt to car parking charges.

Local MP, David Rutley, is joining many local councils and residents in calling for Cheshire East Council to stop plans to introduce car parking charges.

Villages and towns, such as Bollington, Disley, Poynton and Prestbury will see parking charges introduced along with increased parking charges in most car parks in Macclesfield.

Over recent days, David has voiced his concerns regarding the harmful impact the new charges would have on local traders in village centres. 

On Friday 20^th October, around a hundred residents joined a packed protest in Prestbury organised by Prestbury Parish Council to highlight their opposition to new charges and on Saturday 21^st October David joined with Poynton residents to protest plans to introduce car parking charges in the village.

Many residents and business owners have voiced their disapproval with Cheshire East Council’s failure to engage with them to find better solutions.

The planned increases in Macclesfield parking charges are also deeply unpopular with local traders and shoppers.

Following the pandemic, the closing of M&S and with ongoing increases in online shopping, local independent shops and services in the town centre are finding it harder than ever to pay their bills.

The last thing they need is an increase in car parking charges for their customers and staff, putting even more pressure on the town centre and discouraging visitors.

The resulting reduction in footfall and the impact on the number of local traders has to impact Cheshire East Council’s finances, as over time the Council’s revenues from business rates will fall. 

David said “I strongly oppose these unpopular plans. They will have a devastating impact on our local villages and Macclesfield town centre. What is needed now is a new approach to car parking charges in our communities. It’s time for Cheshire East Council to engage with local communities to discuss and seek alternative solutions, rather than simply introduce new charges or increase them. Successive studies by the Council have shown that car parks in Macclesfield are under-utilised. If they are correct, then options to sell land would raise much-needed funds for the Council and lead to opportunities for new residential development that will in turn help bring new life to the town centre.”