We know that car parking continues to be a frustration for many, and we are looking at every way we can to help improve the situation for both town centre workers and visitors, both of which we all depend on to keep our businesses open. Here’s a round up on what we’re doing right now:
- Car Parking consultation re Sunday and evening charging– we have formally objected via letter and in addition requested a meeting with the CEO, Leader of the Council and councillor responsible for parking. This took place on Wednesday 31 August and was attended by Chair of the BID Karen Burton and BID Manager Gina Thomas. At that meeting we were able to present the many challenges businesses are currently facing, and how these proposed changes will affect high street businesses. We will be submitting a document to them with our comments and recommendations.
- Car Park options in the town centre – there is still confusion for some around the changes which came into force in June, with opening of Northgate End and the closure of Charringtons and the Causeway. We have produced leaflets and videos to show all the parking option. See more here on the Discover Stortford website and the videos can be found on our YouTube channel here. Feel free to share these with your customers on social media and your website.
- Staff parking permits – we now this would help, and we have discussed this with East Herts again, and also we are trying with Lambert Hampton Smith who are now managing the old Charringtons car park and Greater Anglia and the NCP car park there.
- Electronic signage in the town centre – this has not worked for several years, and it now needs updating with the new car park. We are in discussions with East Herts and HCC about this and funding of it. This would indicate to people how many spaces available in the car parks before they enter.
- Banner at the old Causeway car park – we have put this up showing people their alternative options – Link Road and Northgate End.
We are also in contact with Herts County Council about the multiple roadworks taking place and the impact this has on our town centre, affecting visitors and therefore businesses. Whilst some works are emergencies and have to happen without much notice, we believe more could be done in terms of planning works at the same time which create so much delay.
We’ll continue to look at every option and keep communications ongoing with East Herts to ensure the voice of the businesses is heard.
