Peter Gibson (Darlington) (Con)
I rise to present a petition to urge a reversal of the decision by Darlington Borough Council to end the provision of two hours’ free car parking in our town centre. It has been signed by more than 2,000 people in just a few short weeks, with both the lead petitioner and the seconder owning and running businesses in the town centre.
Since Monday 3 July, people driving into town have faced parking charges, leading to increased costs for residents and putting the viability of our town centre and its traders in jeopardy, with local businesses already reporting a reduction in footfall since the reintroduction of charges. I fully endorse this petition and its content.
The petition states:
The petition of residents of the United Kingdom,
Declares that the removal of the two hours free car parking in Darlington Town Centre will have a detrimental effect on the local community and on the local economy; further declares that it must be reinstated by Darlington Borough Council.
The petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons urge the Government to encourage Darlington Borough Council to U-turn immediately on their decision to re-introduce these car parking charges in Darlington town centre.
And the petitioners remain, etc.
[P002847]