CHRISTCHURCH residents face the renewed prospect of on-street parking charges despite objections from the borough’s Chamber of Trade.

The Chamber has warned the controversial plans, which could see parking meters installed on some town centre streets, could deal a “damaging blow to the vitality of the High Street.”

Dorset County Council took control of the on-street parking service in April. Charges would most likely be imposed from 2014/15.

Matthew Piles, Dorset County Council traffic manager, said: “No specific date has been set for the introduction of on-street parking in Christchurch but it is most likely to be in the 2014/15 financial year.

“There will be detailed discussions with the borough councillors, local county councillors, Dorset Police and chamber of trade before any scheme is implemented.

“Where on-street parking regulations are introduced, the location and pricing is agreed with the local district or borough council and is designed to reflect the needs of the town and pricing of off-street parking.”

The county council believes on-street pay and display parking will ensure shoppers get a better opportunity to park on-street and help disabled badge holders find a free of charge space in the town centre, giving them easier access to shops and facilities.

Earlier this year the chamber launched a campaign to persuade Christchurch Borough Council to offer two hours of parking for £1.

It was turned down by councillors who felt it was “not the right time” for such a scheme.

PANEL – Chamber’s response President of Christchurch Chamber of Trade and Commerce, Peter Watson-Lee said: “The statement from Dorset County Council is disturbing, as although they indicate they will discuss matters in due course, the implication is that the principle of introducing on street parking charges in Christchurch is already established.

“There has been no consultation at all as yet and we need a firm assurance that the discussions to take place will include the option of not imposing charges at all.

“In the recent Dorset Council elections 90 per cent of the candidates were very clear that they were against the whole idea of charging for on street parking.”

He added: “Dorset County Council need to appreciate that geographically Christchurch is surrounded by town and shopping centres with no on street parking charges.

“Accordingly the imposition of such charges will be a major and damaging blow to the viability of the High Street.”