'Nightmare' parking is ruining our businesses

BARBICAN TRADERS SAY PARKING CHANGES ARE COSTING THEM DEAR

- KATIE OBORN

A PARKING "nightmare" is leaving some Plymouth businesses owners at their wits end - and customers are not happy either. The city council says changes were needed to cover rising costs and the rate of inflation.

However, hiked up charges and a revamp of parking rules are affecting independent businesses, shop owners say.

The loading bays on Southside Street underwent changes two years ago. Previously, customers could park in these areas after 11am, but now that's not allowed on the route, which forms the main stretch of independent shops and eateries on the Barbican.

The popular Jacka Bakery is one shop that says it has been affected, along with art galleries and some restaurants. Changes to loading bays on Southside Street were implemented to "tackle inconsiderate and dangerous parking by delivery drivers" two years ago, Plymouth City Council said.

Jacka Bakery manager Carly Laughton has said they've seen the Barbican "getting quieter" and that many believe this is because of the new parking set up. As well as the removal of the right to park in the busy street, parking charges in the surrounding area have also noticeably gone up.