'˜False economy' behind Sunday parking charge

Proposals to introduce Sunday charges to the multi-storey car park in Leighton Buzzard have been criticised by the chair of one of the town's lobbies.

LB First chairman Gennaro Borelli has hit out at plans by Central Beds Council to introduce Sunday charges at the car park on West Street.

CBC estimates that bringing in the Sunday charges will net them an extra £15,000 a year.

But Mr Borelli said: “First of all, parking charges are notorious for not attracting people into town centres.

“There comes a tipping point when people who have been happy to pay in the past decide enough is enough.

“You cannot put up charges and expect people to use car parks at the same rates they did before. It becomes a bit of a false economy.”

A CBC spokesman said: “Leighton Buzzard is part of a much wider regeneration programme which includes wider investment and works to the High Street.

“We have done a study and know it needs some serious parking measures as well as new parking spaces.

“This is being looked at with the wider regeneration. We have no proposals for a new multi-storey car park.”