| Topic: | Re:Re:Re:Re:Re:Re:Re:Re:How to save the high street | |
| Posted by: | David Lesniak | |
| Date/Time: | 18/01/20 16:06:00 |
| I think many things, Paul, after having read the Parliamentary report. But again, you have demonstrated that you did not and I merely pointed out the contradiction you presented by citing said report as evidence to your claims when that very same report specifies parking as a constant issue. Nice to know you haven't argued against parking and that you think it is important. That begs the question what have you argued for it? Where is that evidence? It is not one thing vs another. It is all the issues taken together and reconsidered. Taxes are a problem for several reasons. Relative to other posts, warehouse-based online shopping does not pay rates in a similar fashion to those with High Street shops be it Waitrose or your local cafe of choice. Parity does not exist and it should. Rents should not be upward only and should reflect better the local demographic and foot traffic along with reflecting means of access. For example, if the Piccadilly were to stop throughout the day at TGT it would potentially increase footfall hence an argument for higher rents could be had. Ditto increased bus service. But no Piccadilly and reduced/eliminated bus services would mean compromised access hence lower rent. Free parking is, agreed, a non-starter. The fact that Westfield profits from parking fees is the proof in the pudding. People are paying for the ease and convenience not to mention the security. They know when they arrive they can park quickly and get on with it. And they happily pay for it. On a High Street, parking should be a fair source of council revenue and it should facilitate ongoing access for multiple customers. Free parking for 30 minutes or even 60 minutes would be one approach enticing people who could then start paying after the free period has expired. Otherwise it is parking turnover that needs to be engineered. Much like turning over a table to the next customer. It's about volume and flow. Free parking for all would simply lead to abusing the amenity. Why pay for a parking permit on your own street when you could park for free forever on the High Road? And, FYI, I wasn't arguing about the cycle lane with you. But I've grown accustomed to your attacks when your faced with a flaw in your own presentation. Maybe next time just leave Parliamentary Reports out of it. Cue new attack... |