MP Calls For Car Parking Charges Plans To Be Stopped

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 in local villages and towns, such as Bollington, Disley, Poynton and Prestbury, and to increase parking charges in most car parks in Macclesfield.

Over recent days, David has joined local campaigners in Poynton and Prestbury to highlight the harmful impact the new charges would have on local traders in village centres.

Local Parish and Town Councils are working hard with local residents to show the strength of local concerns. 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. David joined local Poynton Town Councillors on Saturday 21^st October in their campaign against plans to introduce car parking charges in the village. Just as in Prestbury, Poynton’s residents are strongly opposed.

From David’s conversations with local councillors and residents, it is clear that they are very disappointed to see Cheshire East Council once again press ahead with plans that will have a negative impact on local communities, without first taking time to engage with them to find better solutions.

In Macclesfield, the planned increases in parking charges in most car parks 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 their staff. This will only put more pressure on the town centre and lead to fewer visitors.

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

After campaigning in Poynton, 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.”