Car park charges

Ok, so my last comment has been removed from the thread. Maybe I hit a nerve or two.

The fact is that a gentleman made a comment (which I overheard) stating that he considered the car parking charges were discriminating against people with disabilities.
The car parking charges are non discriminatory, everybody is equal when it comes to paying to park your car.

Most people with severe mobility problems have a blue badge which entitles them to park more or less where they want - more able bodies people have the choice whether to pay the cost of the car park at the centre of town or park out of town and enjoy a leisurely walk into town.

I hope that this comment is politically correct enough to warrant not being removed!

it's bonkers you would rather spend £15-£20 on petrol to drive to South Devon just so you can save ten bob on the parking fees! not to mention the polution you cause. Why not park (if you must drive) in the town centre and spend the money you saved by staying in town in the local shops

Oh I do have a car but prefer to take 10 minutes and walk to town

Obviously people with disabilities should have reduced price parking, and the rest of us who don't should then pay the full costs of parking, including the opportunity costs (ie the value lost) when land is taken away from other uses, the costs of pollution and congestion, the costs of administration, wear and tear / repairs and so on. If drivers actually had to pay for the true costs of using their cars they'd probably find the charges would be quite a lot higher than they are now!

As for leisure, it's good that those who choose to go to places by car should pay for that privilege. We have to get more people out of their private cars and onto public transport, or even better, walking and cycling. Better for all our health.

And before you ask, I'm car-free thanks and looking forward to the day when most other people are too. And that day may not be so far away ...

Well I do have mobility problems and I can't walk far or stand waiting for a bus (that I don't even know my route number of) so I am stuck with car parks. As you say, its horses for courses but I spend my money out of this area where its much cheaper to park because the cheaper parking fee means I am encouraged to spend longer and wander about.

As to Woolacombe and Saunton I don't go there any more simply because of their car park charges which affects locals and tourists alike. I do see your point but I have to think twice about spending almost a £1 to get to the Bank, let alone take time to wander round all the shops.

I actually don't think parking is too expensive in Bideford. I must admit though that I use Morrison's if it's just a short visit (free) or over the bridge if it's all day (cheap). If I'm planning on a long mooch around town I often prefer the bus as it's cheaper. I know that some people come from further afield where the buses aren't great and others have mobility problems so I suppose it's horses for courses. I guess the Council have to make money somewhere, what I object to is places like Woolacombe and Saunton where the parking fees are extortionate!