A Cowes resident has launched an online petition against Isle of Wight Council plans to charge for parking at sites across the Island where drivers currently park for free.
Adam Provis wants the council to drop the proposals, which would also reduce or remove limited free parking on several town centre streets.
The petition says “Similar proposals were rejected last year, but have now been brought forward again”.
OnTheWight has previously reported on the full set of proposals.
Free car parks named in the petition
The petition objects to new charges at 11 locations where parking is free now.
Two are in Ventnor, at Wheelers Bay Car Park and Eastcliff Car Park.
Yarmouth also has two on the list, Bouldnor Viewpoint Car Park and Fort Victoria Car Park.
The petition also names Gurnard Seafront, the Royal Exchange Car Park in Newport, St Martin’s Road Car Park in Wroxall, Warne’s Lane Car Park in Brighstone, Godshill Car Park and St Helens Green Car Park.
And in Shanklin, Hope Road.
Short free stays on town centre streets
Mr Provis also objects to proposals that would reduce or remove the limited free parking drivers can use on some town centre streets.
Newport accounts for five of them, with St James’ Street, Crocker Street, Union Street, Terrace Road and St John’s Place all on the list.
Elsewhere, the petition names Union Street in Ryde, High Street in Sandown, Regent Street in Shanklin and High Street in Ventnor.
Warning for small businesses
The petition says the locations “are more than simply places to park”.
It argues that drivers could decide not to stop at all, particularly where they can still find free parking nearby.
That, the petition says, “could have consequences for small businesses that depend on passing trade and regular local customers”.
Residents who regularly park at these sites to reach local shops and the seafront could also feel the cost, according to the petition.
Call to reconsider
The petition asks the council to “fully consider the potential impact” before it brings in new charges or removes free parking periods, and to “properly engage with the communities affected”.
Signatories want the Isle of Wight Council to “reconsider these proposals and retain the existing free parking arrangements”.
