We should have pay parking

AS a socialist, I would like to comment on the letter in last week's paper headlined: 'Traffic management can help Wisbech prosper'.

After much thought, I have reluctantly concluded that Fenland District Council should grasp the nettle and introduce pay parking to the towns of Fenland.

I gather that the cost to Fenland Council of the upkeep and maintenance of its car parks in the four towns of Fenland comes to at least £300,000 a year.

Money raised from motorists paying to park in Fenland could also be used to pay the wages of traffic wardens who could see that parking is properly enforced.

At the same time, especially in Wisbech, there is a shortage of parking spaces. This has contributed to the huge numbers parking illegally in Wisbech Market Place.

Perhaps the money from pay parking could be used to extend the Chapel Road car park, and partly turn the Somers Road car park into a multi-storey car park?

The increase in car parking spaces would enable a complete ban on all private vehicles, including all disabled blue badge holders, from Wisbech Market Place.

Over the years, while walking through Somers Road car park, I have lost count of the number of motorists new to Wisbech who have asked me: 'Where do we pay?'

If King's Lynn and Peterborough Councils can charge motorists for parking, with no ill effects on trade, I cannot see why Fenland Council cannot do the same?

A friend recently showed me photographs of a visit to Thetford. When asked: 'Where are the cars?' My friend told me that: 'Thetford town centre is fully pedestrianised.'

A while ago a BBC Look East reporter famously reported that 'she was standing in Wisbech Market Place, which is a pedestrianised zone but cars are allowed'.

This makes Wisbech into a laughing stock. Fenland Council should therefore rapidly introduce pay parking so that pedestrianised zones can be properly enforced.

JOHN SMITHEE

Kingsley Avenue

Wisbech