CUTS to fees at Mell Square
multi-storey are to be considered following a fall in profits.
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A leading councillor will consider four options for fees at
the Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council-owned facility this week.
In April 2012 drivers were told to pay up front for parking instead
of when leaving so savings could be made from cheaper equipment and less staff.
In the previous 12 months the car park brought in £940,070
but this fell to £725,866 in the following 12 months, when the new system was
in place.
Now cabinet member for transport and highways Ted Richards
will consider new pricing proposals.
Three of the four propose cutting the £2.30 rate for up to
two hours while one sets a maximum £4 long-stay charge compared to £8.20 now
(see full proposals here).
A council report said: "It has been suggested that officers
consider new tariffs that could be better suited to visitors and shoppers
within the town centre and not solely focused on generating additional income.”
Yet urges Mr Richards not accept one option, which extends
the £1.20 fee of up to an hour up to two hours.
It said: “This is likely to have a significant negative
effect on income and is not recommended.”
Official figures show the council got about £3.6m income in
2013/14 from car parking fees and had about £1.6m costs, giving it £2m profit
for other council services.
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