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14

Dec 2022

Last Updated: 13/12/2022
Business
Business

Knaresborough business criticises electric vehicle parking 'madness'

by John Plummer

| 14 Dec, 2022
Comment

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A Knaresborough businesswoman has described as "madness" a decision to close 20 parking spaces in the run-up to Christmas.

Harrogate Borough Council has allocated 10 parking bays in Chapel Street car park and 10 at Conyngham Hall for electric vehicles only. But the bays are currently sealed off, meaning no vehicles can use them.

The loss of spaces in a town where it is notoriously difficult to park has angered traders, particularly as it has occurred in the busy run-up to Christmas.

Kelly Teggin, who owns Kelly Teggin Hair and Beauty in Castlegate, said yesterday:

"In the middle of December we have people driving out of Knaresborough because they can't get parked. It's unbelievable — total madness.
"I agree we need more electric vehicle parking. But why close these spaces now in the run-up to Christmas so nobody can use them? I lost two customers today and as a small business I can't afford this.
"I'm part of the chamber of trade and everyone is ringing me saying 'why are the council doing this at Christmas?'"


Knaresborough electric vehicle parking

Chapel Street car park in Knaresborough



One of Ms Teggin's customers, called Lynn, described the situation as "ludicrous". She added:

"It defies common sense. Kelly lost one customer when I was there today because she couldn't get parked. The town is losing people it needs. We are all a bit gobsmacked this is happening now."


Ms Teggin's father, Steve Teggin, a businessman and former president of Knaresborough Chamber of Trade, said:

"Knaresborough has always been drastically short of car parking. Now we have a line of bays empty yet people are driving around trying to get parked up. It's unfair and where was the consultation?"


100 charging bays being installed


A council spokesperson said:

“To help achieve our net zero-carbon economy by 2038, and to support the demand and rapid uptake of electric vehicles (EV), almost 100 charging bays are being installed across the Harrogate district.
“More than 20 of these will be installed in Knaresborough, including Chapel Street car park, Conyngham Hall and the new Knaresborough Leisure and Wellness Centre.
“These bays account for less than three per cent of the more than 800 spaces available in Knaresborough, not to mention the various on-street disc parking spaces available,, so we are confident that non EV drivers will still be able to find a space.
"These new charging points support the uptake in electric vehicles for both our residents and our visitor economy, and complement other sustainable travel options."