Tories who have taken over Vale council pledge free car parking by Christmas

The Conservatives’ election pledge on Vale of White Horse District Council car parks has won support from the traders, who see it helping to rejuvenate trade, particularly in Abingdon.

However, opponents of the move have condemned it as “a gimmick” and “an election bribe” which would only add to traffic congestion in Abingdon.

The Tories, who recently took control of Vale of White Horse District Council, vowed to make the change, even though it would mean the loss of annual revenue.

And they promised not to increase council tax bills to pay for the measure.

The Vale council’s new Tory leader, Matthew Barber, said council officers were working to see how it could be introduced.

He said: “We have broad brushed the idea and they are finalising it for us.”

Funding for the service would come from grants and savings, although the ruling Tory group have not detailed how the cash will be raised.

Mr Barber said: “Council tax will not go up in order to pay for it. The only loss we will have is losses of income.”

He said free short-term parking had long been needed in the Vale as the two main shopping hubs battled to keep customers.

“Businesses in the Vale have to compete with neighbouring districts,” he said. “It is not just about attracting shoppers. We need to attract businesses and retailers.”

Paul Townsend, president of Abingdon Chamber of Commerce, welcomed the news. He said: “We are competing with Didcot, which has two hours free parking. We have a nice range of independent traders. We are not a clone town like Didcot.

“But some people are not giving us a chance because of (a) the traffic and (b) the cost of parking.”

Peter Wiblin, owner of West End Newsagents, in Abbey Shopping Centre, said: “It is a step in the right direction. It is something that has been long hard fought for by traders.”

Linda Hatter, vice-chairman of Wantage Chamber of Commerce, said: “It is a great idea, especially in a place like Wantage.

“The cost to park is not very much, but people resent paying it.

“If people have a choice between paying 50p and going somewhere for free, they will always choose the free option.”

Butcher Vincent Montgomery, of Wallingford Street, Wantage, said: “It will do the town good and it can only encourage people into the town which is just what this town needs. The more parking, the more people.”

But the new leader of the Vale’s Liberal Democrat opposition, Richard Webber, said the offer was a gimmick and would create more traffic in Abingdon.

He said: “It is an election bribe and I despise it. There is no such thing as free car parking, Someone has to pay.

“Councils offering free parking are effectively charging the cost to all. Is it fair that non-car users should subsidise car users?

“In a town with traffic problems, and a county council with no money and no policies to solve them, stimulating more car movements is very unwise — much better to find ways of getting people out of cars on to buses, bicycles and on foot.”