New parking charges that were set to be introduced this week have been delayed.
In a statement, Wokingham Borough Council said: “Due to a technical, software-related issue, we are unable to implement the planned changes to our car parking tariffs as originally scheduled.
“To make the transition to the new charges as smooth as possible for our residents and businesses, we will now be putting up signs across all car parks from week beginning June 26.”
It said the new charges will now come into effect from 6am on Monday, July 3.
It also confirmed that temporary notices will be placed over the new signs to avoid confusion during the cross-over week.
Meanwhile, more businesses are joining forces in a bid to make Wokingham a more attractive destination for shoppers and diners.
Last week, Wokingham Today reported that Raja Majid of Sultan restaurant in Market Place is offering to refund parking costs for diners at his restaurant.
This week Meti, owner of the Piccolo Arco bistro in the Town Hall, said he fully supports the initiative, and intends to offer similar incentives to offset parking costs for his customers.
He told Wokingham Today: “We have no parking of our own for our customers, so we rely totally on the council-owned car parks.
“The availability of affordable parking is crucial to trade in the town.”
Also behind the campaign is Jey Sachchi, chief executive officer of the Bombay Story restaurant in Peach Place.
He said: “We need to be able to offer our customers are relaxed experience without them looking at their watches and worrying if their ticket is about to expire.”
Phil Edgecombe of Phil’s Good Food in Broad Street also welcomed the initiative, but highlighted the fact that many customers of businesses in the town are only spending small amounts.
He said: “If someone is buying something in our shop for £5, it’s simply not viable for us to refund their £2 parking costs.”
The increase in parking charges was agreed at the March executive meeting of Wokingham Borough Council.
It includes charges for evening, weekend and bank holidays, the first time this has been included.
Councillor Paul Fishwick, executive member for active travel, transport and highways of Wokingham Borough Council, said: “In our current financial position, we have had to make tough choices, and raising car park charges is one of them.
“There has been no increase to parking charges since April 2018, and so residents, businesses and visitors have enjoyed cheaper parking for longer, rather than the gradual increases seen in other areas.
We would like to hear about other businesses who support this campaign, or are implementing other campaigns to attract more shoppers to the town. Email [email protected],
