'It can be very hard to keep everyone happy' - Chorley Council on calls for changes to town centre car park
A Chorley charity says it will push for changes to an ‘unfair’ pricing system at the town’s most central car park.
Chorley Council has responded to calls over ‘unfair’ charges at the town’s central car park, but said ‘it can be very hard to keep everyone happy’.
Chorley-based charity Helping Hands, has raised concerns over the current pricing system at the Flat Iron Car Park off Union Street and say they will be raising a motion calling for changes, following complaints from residents who believe the existing flat-rate system does not reflect how long motorists actually park.
At present, the only payment option is £2 for a maximum two-hour stay at the car park, meaning drivers pay the same amount for a short stay as someone parking for much longer. Helping Hands say residents have also highlighted the lack of a three-hour option, meaning anyone needing slightly longer than two hours can face another full charge.
The charity wants to see the following changes made, which they say would be fairer and give greater flexibility to visitors:
• £1 for up to one hour
• £2 for up to two hours
• £3 for up to three hours
Martin Downer, director of Helping Hands Chorley, said the proposal could also increase turnover and potentially improve income from the car park. He said: “This would benefit everyone using the car park. I personally use this car park myself and sometimes I only nip into town for 10 or 15 minutes, but I still get charged £2.
“Reducing the first hour to £1 would be much fairer for people making short visits. In reality, you could potentially make more money through increased turnover — you could even make £4 an hour from different motorists using the spaces throughout the day.”
Shaz Malik, director of Helping Hands, added: “Many people feel the current charging structure could be improved to better reflect how long motorists actually stay. We believe this proposal could provide a fairer and more balanced approach for residents, visitors, and local businesses, while also remaining workable for the council.”
What does the council say?
Leader of Chorley Council, Councillor Alistair Bradley, said: “The council reviews its parking charges regularly and we’re keeping parking affordable to help ensure spaces are available when people need them. The charges were changed last year after many years with no price increase whatsoever. Chorley’s parking rates remain among the cheapest in the North West and we also have conveniently located alternative car parks that are free for one hour, such as Portland Street or any of our other short or long stay car parks across the town centre.
“It’s about striking the right balance for everyone who lives, works, and visits Chorley. In particular, the charge on the Flat Iron is designed to encourage a steady turnover of cars throughout the day to ensure that all Town Centre businesses can trade efficiently. We want to make sure there are also enough spaces for those who need them the most – whether it’s for shopping, work or living nearby.
“It can be very hard to keep everyone happy, although we do try. Any comments received will be fully considered at the next planned review point.”