Westminster parking charges postponed until after 2012 Olympics
The proposals had a great deal of opposition from local restaurants and businesses. The council says it is still determined to implement the Westminster parking charges – due to start next month – but not until after the 2012 Olympics and Paralympics next year.
“The High Court has ordered Westminster to halt its plans, and for very good reason,” said Labour councillor Paul Dimoldenberg, who has always been opposed to the idea.
“Over 95% of people are opposed to this damaging parking proposal and the Council should now have the common sense to stop before it does any further damage to businesses, residents and churches.
“A delay in bringing in the new West End charges until after the 2012 Olympics, Paralympics and Diamond Jubilee celebrations is the very least that the Council should now do.
The Honourable Mr Justice Collins highlighted ‘substantial damage to businesses and churches’ and ‘far too limited’ consultation as reasons why the Council should not be allowed to introduce the new charges until the Judicial Review has been heard.
BigHospitality’s timeline of Westminster parking charges
- 25 Jan 2010 - The British Hospitality Association initially voiced its opposition to the plans by Westminster City Council to extend car parking charges to midnight Monday to Saturday.
- 2 August 2011 - Westminster City Council announced it was to introduce the parking charges.
- 22 November 2011 – Richard Caring, chairman of Caprice holdings, slammed the decision, claiming it is ‘the dumbest thing I ever heard’.
- 05 December 2011 - News that those working in Westminster after 6.30pm will be given a discounted rate when parking charges are extended came as no comfort or relief to businesses or employees, with Labour councillor Paul Dimoldenberg giving his views.
- 08 December 2011 – A study from the Centre for Economics and Business Research forecasted that the charges will cost businesses in the area £800m a year.
- 13 December 2011 – Over 15,000 West End workers and residents have united in signing petitions to halt the proposed night-time parking charges for the area.
- 09 January 2012 - The new charges were set to come into effect, meaning drivers will no longer be able to park for free in the borough after 6.30pm or leave cars on single yellow lines.
- March 2012 – The judicial review of the parking charges will take place.
