Parking problem brings 'pay and display' to pub car park (From Wharfedale Observer)

Parking problem brings 'pay and display' to pub car park

8:49am Friday 26th October 2007 in Local news By Annette McIntyre

A Guiseley pub has introduced pay and display car parking because of the number of commuters leaving their vehicles in its car park.

The Station pub which is situated on Otley Road a short distance from the railway station has taken the step as increasing numbers of train commuters leave their vehicles in its car park for a whole day making it increasingly difficult for its customers to park.

Motorists are now charged 30p for half an hour, 50p for an hour and £2 to park all day and the cost of the parking is reimbursed if they spend more than £3 in the pub. The charges apply 24 hours a day.

Jerry Robinson, Operations Director for The Orchid Group who are the owners of pub, said: "The Station is a friendly, well used local pub.

"We've had lots of complaints from our customers that our own car park is always full, which leaves no space for patrons to park whilst visiting the pub.

"Many people have been using the car park for extended periods of time - such as those leaving their cars to catch the train taking up valuable space at the expense of customers.

"We don't want to cause any disruption to the community but have to look after the interests of our regulars. To do this we had no choice but to introduce the parking scheme.

"Those using the pub will have their parking charges fully reimbursed."

Aireborough MP Paul Truswell, who raised the parking issue in a recent debate on transport in his constituency and tabled a Parliamentary question in the House of Commons this week, said he was not surprised at the pub's move.

"We have known for a long time that local car parks were being used by the increasing number of rail commuters because of the total inadequacy of parking provision at Guiseley.

"I have been pressing the council for years to force developers to provide such parking.

"The Brook Crompton developers have submitted a planning application that includes a car park in return for permission to build even more houses and flats on the site than was originally agreed.

"Local people will have to consider this in the balance. I will be seeking guarantees about the size of this car park and an idea of its cost, so that we know exactly what is on offer.

"I shall also be asking if the extra housing covers solely this expense, or is exploiting the desperate need for a car park to wring even more profit out of the community."

In his question to Trains Minister Tom Harris MP on Tuesday, Mr Truswell said the Airedale and Wharfedale Lines had been victims of their own success.

"We have refurbished stations such as that at Guiseley, new rolling stock that replaces 40-year-old, slam-door cast-offs inherited from the last Government, and ever increasing numbers of passengers.

"Does he recognise that in order to overcome major problems with over-crowding we desperately need extra capacity, and extra car parking provision at stations such as Guiseley to reduce the pressure on surrounding neighbourhoods?"