A motion that could have seen free parking introduced to aid ailing retailers in Wokingham was rejected at last week’s full council meeting of Wokingham borough council.
Councillors clashed over the Conservative proposal to introduce one hour free parking at car parks in the town.
Conservatives had introduced the motion that would have made parking free for an hour on a temporary basis.
Introducing the motion, councillor Charles Margetts (Conservative, Finchampstead) said that businesses are struggling due to disruptive roadworks, particularly at Finchampstead Road and Molly Millars Lane.
He argued an hour of free parking would encourage shoppers to come into local centres, claiming businesses are experiencing a 25-30 % drop in turnover.
Cllr Margetts said: “From a financial and social perspective, it’s in the interest of all parties for the council to provide an incentive for all residents to visit the town centre, support our businesses, maintain life, and get through this difficult period.
“And I would ask that all members support this motion and support our local traders.”
However, the motion was shot down by the ruling Liberal Democrats, as the council’s chief finance officer stated it would cost six-figure sum to implement..
Cllr Mark Ashwell (Liberal Democrats, Evendons), executive member for economic development, said: “You need a liberal society for capitalism to work for all. And this motion would cost a staggering £650,000.”
He called the motion “ill-conceived”.
Cllr Ashwell said: “As a fellow Wokingham Borough business owner for 40 years, I’ve great empathy with our town centre businesses in Wokingham, Woodley, Twyford, and beyond.
”And I’ve got to know and love a lot of our Wokingham town businesses over the past 30 years.”
He went on to say these businesses would never support the council losing investment in its vital services.
Cllr Dave Edmonds (Conservative, Spencers Wood & Swallowfield) acknowledged the chief financial officer’s calculation, but argued that encouraging people to local businesses should take precedence.
He said: “So the question isn’t can we afford this? The real question is, can we afford not to?
“Every empty shop means lost income, lost confidence and lost community vibrancy.
“This proposal is not a cost. It’s a short-term investment to prevent long-term financial loss.”
He then urged councillors not to be “penny-wise and pound-foolish”.
Meanwhile, Cllr Alex Freeney (Independent, Loddon) pointed out that making the first hour free would only save drivers £1.20.
He said: “Just to be clear, the problem is that maintenance works have reduced the capacity of our roads, and your solution is to pay people to drive into the town centre?
“I thank God you lot aren’t running this council.”
In an unrecorded vote, the Lib Dems, Labour and Cllr Freeney opposed it, with only the Conservatives voting for it, meaning the motion failed.
