Parking debate continues

The OABA has a new chairman in Alan Carmody who has taken over in succession to outgoing chairman David Giles.
At the heart of the district's latest thinking is a five point plan which will be discussed at Cabinet. This involves: reduction of the cost of business parking permits from £624 per annum to the same basis as a residents permit, that is £52 for the first car and £78 for the second. Maximum of two cars per company.
Secondly, the district is advocating the introduction of a £150 permit to allow all day parking for £1.50 per day in the Dovecote Car Park.
Thirdly, amendments to the annual cost of a permit for parking in Dovecote early in the New Year will be pegged at £48.53 for one month, £154.60 for three months, £270.40 for six months and £499.20 for 12 months.
Fourthly, the new plan envisages a new group D permit to encourage more businesses to park in the Dovecote Car Park.
Fifthly, it is suggested that there should be an extension of the parking limit to four hours in the pay and display areas, still at the rate of 10 pence for 10 minutes.
Mr Carmody said: "Although the OABA welcomes the news that costs for business parking permits may be brought in line with residents permits, we still hold the view that the scheme is fundamentally not in the best interests of the community as a whole."
Mr Carmody argued that the Dovecote has too few places to meet existing needs, that retailers were reluctant, still, to signal their support, that the plan was a backward step at a time of recession, and that the scheme would act, generally, as a deterrent to businesses and visitors alike.
Mr Carmody expressed disappointment that the district council wanted to drive the plan through and not wait until February to allow for a wider consultation.
"We have no doubt that the district council's intention is to balance the needs of residents, businesses and visitors but OABA believes the consultation process has not found the business community in time for us to fully consider these proposals," he said.
A consensus has emerged between the OABA and The Amersham Society who also contend, through spokesman Martin Brooks, that more consultation is needed.