Is the increase in parking charges across Havering pushing shoppers to take their business elsewhere?
‘I used to shop between Hornchurch and Upminster, but gave up as it cost me too much. I go to Lakeside now each week.’
In the latest budget for 2024-25 Havering Council increased parking charges by 40%. However, after a public consultation, these were halved to 20%.
In Harold Hill, an hour stay at the Hilldene shopping centre now costs a driver £3. As the council desperately struggle to meet their financial shortfall, are all these increases in parking charges deterring shoppers and encouraging them to go elsewhere?
Anna who lives in Harold Hill, told the Havering Daily: “It now costs us £3 for an hour. I have three children so it is not always possible for me to walk to the shopping area, especially if I have a lot of shopping to do. But £3 I can’t afford each week so I have started to go to Lakeside where I can park for free instead. It has easy parking and all the shops we need.
“It’s sad really because I do like to shop locally and support the local shopping centre, but I can’t afford this increase.”
Romford once was a vibrant shopping centre, with a thriving market, especially at weekends. It is virtually unrecognisable for so many now.
Romford resident Tom told the Havering Daily: “I’m in my 70s, I remember the market as it once was. It was packed, no space to move. Lined back to back with stalls.
“I don’t like the area anymore. Some parts are still the Romford I remember, but personally I don’t think it has changed for the better. The market is a very poor shadow of what it once was. The shops look shabby, the streets look dirty. Our Town Hall looks like it needs a facelift. The whole area appears very run down.
“I understand the constraints the council are under, but we don’t seem to be keeping up with so many other boroughs around us. All we see are housing developments, mainly blocks of flats that no one wants.
“It would be lovely to see the market thrive again and encourage new stall holders to come to the area.”
Peter who lives in Upminster has also stopped using Havering for his shopping trips. He told the Havering Daily: “I used to shop between Hornchurch and Upminster, but gave up as it cost me too much. I go to Lakeside now each week. I use their local Sainsbury’s and head to their shopping centre when I need things.
“Truthfully it is a lot easier. Firstly I don’t pay and secondly I don’t have the worry of Havering traffic wardens who are completely over zealous! Even if you pay, they ticket you and tell you it didn’t show and appeal, which you never win! I gave up the battle and just go to Lakeside as it is so much easier and a lot less hassle.”
Residents across the borough are quitting the Havering shopping centres and heading off to Lakeside to avoid parking charges. Hornchurch and Romford are paying the price as many vacant shops are now lining the streets.
Is it time our High Streets had some much needed tlc?
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Couldn’t agree more, parking charges are the scourge of all motorists. Just one problem, maybe two. All well and good making statements about the price of parking, but to then say that you will be going to Lakeside to shop, doesn’t make sense. Now you’re paying for petrol and depreciation costs of running the vehicle. Did you take a minute or two to weigh up the cost differences? Probably not, though I understand the reasoning. I too don’t like paying for parking, but I can’t come up with an alternative that will allow locals to shop, but not allow commuters to park in all the spaces. If you have an idea to solve the problem, why not get together with other fed up motorists and put it to the Council, before bemoaning the increases.
While increasing parking charges does not help attract shoppers, Romford is declining, as the gentleman correctly observes in the article “The market is a very poor shadow of what it once was.”.
Most of the small, family run, shops have long gone from the town centre. Unfortunately, they are unlikely to return and it’s outwith the council’s power to make shops come to the town, given the current economic situation they (the council) cannot offer incentives to attract market stalls or shop keepers to Romford.