PROPOSED changes to parking charges in Christchurch have been greeted with enthusiasm by shoppers.

Christchurch Chamber of Trade and Commerce have published the results of their survey on parking rates for Christchurch town centre.

The survey shows 91 per cent of the public would prefer a fixed £1 for two hours parking rate over the current regime, even if it meant losing the 80p for one hour rate.

It also revealed 86 per cent of the public would come to Christchurch more often if the £1 for two hours rate was introduced. Last year, the chamber presented a petition signed by 5,500 people – one of the largest ever petitions – to Christchurch Borough Council in support of its campaign. Although the campaign was rejected last year, the Chamber has pledged to work more closely with the council, producing this evidence at their request.

Peter Watson-Lee, chairman of Christchurch Chamber of Trade and Commerce said: “The results of this survey are even more positive than we imagined they would be.

“It shows great support for the Chamber’s proposed change to a £1 for 2 hours parking rate and the increase in visits indicated by the survey would be a vital boost to the shops and businesses in Christchurch town centre.

“Indeed the change could even increase the council’s income from parking. With places like Bournemouth and Boscombe now charging £1 for two hours and other nearby towns having more benign parking rates, Christchurch is becoming out of step with its competition. “It is more important than ever for the health of the town centre for this change to take place. We are in discussions with the Council and hope that the result of this survey will be help persuade them to change the parking rates for this coming year.”

* The survey has been completed as officers prepare their report for Christchurch council’s resources meeting in November, which will look at new parking rates for next year. The survey was carried out by a one to one survey at Sainsbury’s and Stewarts’ Garden Lands, as well as by placing the survey in ten shops in Christchurch town centre including Saxon Square and Bargates.

 A total of 491 responses were received.