FEARS AND OBJECTIONS FOR PARKING SCHEME

They say that employers, particularly those in the 'hospitality trade,' wlll be badly hit by the scheme. They are also criticial of the extent of the proposed parking zones.
The statement was put together by Eastbourne & District Chamber of Commerce, Eastbourne Hotels' Association, Sussex Enterprise, Federation of Small Businesses and Eastbourne & District Enterprise Agency Ltd.

It runs as follows:
'Among the aims of the Eastbourne Urban Area Local Transport Plan and Parking Strategy are that changes should improve both the economy and environment of the town.

'The members remain broadly in agreement that parking needs to be far better managed in Eastbourne. In particular it would benefit most sectors of the community if long-term parking could be encouraged into the under-used off-street car parks.

'It is generally considered that the proposed Controlled Parking Zone is both too wide and too heavily dependent on charging. The members believe that no case exists for charging over the whole of the proposed area designated from Channel View Road to Holywell and inland to Motcombe.

'Earlier consultation with business, residents and interest groups revealed a consensus that even in the proposed Zone 1, charging would not be suitable throughout. The authorities have chosen to ignore the results of that consultation.

'Business has many reservations and objections to the new proposals and believes that the principle difficulties revolve around:

1) Eastbourne has an unfortunate reputation for having a low wage and fragile economy. Charging local workers for all day permits will result in those costs being passed on to employers in the form of wage demands with no consideration having being given to the effect of that.

2) Charging on the seafront is considered acceptable in the central area but is not justified, throughout, or on a year round basis.

3) The proposals will add administrative and real costs to those businesses in the hospitality trade already seeking to maintain business levels despite serious reductions in support by Eastbourne Borough Council.

4) The parking proposals have not been shown to be linked with improvements to alternative means of travel and the off-street car parks. It will be an absolute requirement of business that such improvements are made in advance of any parking scheme, before such a scheme will receive the support of the contributing organisations.

5) The vast number of ticket machines, signs and bay markings required throughout the town would be to the severe detriment of the streetscape.
'The councils are advised that the business groups are developing and undertaking a questionnaire survey in respect of the parking proposals as they stand. The results of that survey, which all members will be invited to complete, will be delivered to the councils, back to the memberships and to the media.'