CITY centre businesses could leave Winchester because of the controversial rise in all-day parking charges.

That was the warning from a business leader after the city council approved a new parking strategy which will see charges almost double for people who park all-day in the city centre.

The new charges in car parks such as Gladstone Street and Tower Street will cost £15, almost double the current £8.

The change in strategy by the city council is to encourage people to use the park and ride facilities.

But executive director of Winchester Business Improvement District, Catherine Turness says there has been a backlash from businesses.

She said although she agrees with the majority of the plans, that there should be respite for those using Tower Street.

At the Cabinet (Traffic and Parking) Committee, Ms Turness said: “This car park is used by many service sector businesses based in Southgate Street, Jewry Street and City Road.

“The majority of these businesses are in and out of the car park – toing and froing from their office to appointments and thus the park and ride is not a viable option and there are no inner ring car parks nearby.

“In addition, there are a few businesses, namely those in the beauty industry who operate hours longer than those available through park and ride (8am to 9pm) so they have no option but to park in Tower Street.

“I have received a number of phone calls from businesses in Southgate Street and Jewry Street who informed me that this decision will offer them little opportunity but to look for premises outside the city because the increase will significantly affect their costs and others will lose staff as they will be unable to park in the city.”

However some people told the meeting that the measures do not go far enough.

Phil Gagg from Winchester Action on Climate Change argued that although they welcome the new strategy, they believe that drivers who park for only a short time in the city centre cause more pollution than those who park all day, and they called for them to be charged.

Council leader, Stephen Godfrey warned that the plans could affect parking income if the difference between parking centrally is too great compared to inner city car parks.

Meanwhile retired architect Kate Macintosh, of West End Terrace, also said that the council could do more to encourage people to use park and ride, and also called for the cost of Group B season tickets to be “reconsidered”.

She made comparisons with parking charges in Oxford where their largest central car park charges £23 a day - with the rate increasing to £28.60, however the cost of using the park and ride facilities in Oxford works out as cheaper.

Ms Macintosh said: “So compared with Oxford there is considerable scope for revenue raising and for increasing the incentive and financial logic of using park and ride.”

After consulting with council officers, portfolio holder for Transport and Professional Services, James Byrnes said: “It might be a case that we suck it up and see how it goes for 12 months.”

The recommendations were then approved and after the meeting Ms Turness added: “ I am disappointed as I know this decision will hit some of our service sector businesses particularly and I hope the council will reconsider.” their decision. I really had hoped that the Council would isolate Tower Street from the change at least in the short-term, especially until a Park and Ride is made available to the north of the city.”