NCP cuts parking fee at Bournemouth site to a fiver (From Bournemouth Echo)

NCP cuts parking fee at Bournemouth site to a fiver

7:00pm Friday 3rd July 2009 in

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NCP is tomorrow cutting the cost of 24 hours parking at one Bournemouth site from £11 to £5.

The new rate is at the 236-space surface car park in Exeter Road.

Beales boss Tony Brown is on a car-parking crusade and he said: “Five pounds is a good price and I hope the council follows suit and NCP reviews charges in all their car parks.

“It’s a great start that a commercial operator is reacting to the public demand.

“However shoppers carrying bags need more spaces.”

Cllr Robert Lawton, cabinet member for transport, said: “We offer people a variety of options at very competitive rates.

“For example, the Winter Gardens car park, off Exeter Road, charges £2 for up to three hours.

“It appears that NCP are responding to our more flexible charges, which is good for the town.”

NCP also operates car parks in Glen Fern Road, Terrace Road and at the bottom of Richmond Hill.

The council operates 25 car parks although some are only open to the public outside normal working hours or are mainly occupied by season ticket holders.

Garry Bushell, NCP business manager for Bournemouth, based the decision on customer feedback from retailers.

Roger Parker, the town centre manager, said: “This is a really good move. We fully support what they are doing.”

Nigel Hedges, president of Bournemouth Chamber of Trade, said: “The chamber is excited by the announcement – it’s a dose of reality.

“Parking is one of the most crucial issues facing traders.”

From Monday, Beales shoppers who spend £50 at the department store will get £5 back towards their parking.