To: Potton Town Council & Central Bedfordshire Ward Councillors

We, the undersigned residents, visitors and business owners of Potton, note that Potton Town Council is considering introducing parking charges at the Brook End / Henry Smith Fields Car Park (Originally proposed as £10 for daytime and £25 for 24 hours).

While we acknowledge the council’s need to manage the site effectively and cover business rates, the proposed fees are completely unworkable for town centre residents and businesses. Many of us live in historic properties with yellow lines outside and absolutely no access to private driveways or off-street parking.

If the proposed charges goes ahead this translates to a devastating punitive financial penalty for local tax-paying households and businesses including the devaluing of properties and potential closing of business regardless of what the fees are finally agreed to be.  

If implemented, these charges will:

Cause severe traffic gridlock and safety hazards along with disgruntled neighbours as residents are forced to displace their cars onto nearby unrestricted side streets.
Harm local businesses by driving staff/visitors away from the town centre. If staff are driven away this could lead to the closure of businesses which would be detrimental to our beautiful town.
Unfairly penalize residents, and businesses who have safely and responsibly relied on this car park for decades.
 

🛑 Our Demand 

That the proposal is paused until a sensible and workable solution is found and all the relevant full studies have been completed and options discussed with all interested parties 

✍️ Petition Signatures

Why we need your postcode: Potton Town Council prioritises the views of local council tax payers and visitors who actively support our town. Providing your postcode proves to the council that you are a real person directly affected by this decision. Privacy Note: Your details will only be used to submit this petition to Potton Town Council and will not be shared anywhere else.