Local councillor Jon Hubbard has voiced strong opposition to the recent decision by Wiltshire Council to raise season ticket prices in Melksham Car Parks by as much as 27%. This hike predominantly impacts local residents living in the town centre and individuals in relatively low-paid jobs, who now find themselves bearing the brunt of these increased costs.
Unfair and exploitative
"This decision by the council is both unfair and exploitative," Councillor Hubbard stated. "The additional burden will fall mainly on our town centre residents and hardworking individuals who are already struggling to make ends meet. These people should not be targeted to generate extra revenue for the council."
Jon Hubbard expressed concern that the significant price hike will lead to more people opting to park on residential streets, causing further disruption and increased risk in those areas. "All this will achieve is to force more people to park in the surrounding residential streets, which will create more congestion and inconvenience for local residents," he added.
Underspend being wasted
Adding to the controversy is the fact that the council recently announced a budget underspend last year and an additional £5.9 million investment in pothole repairs. Jon Hubbard argues that a portion of this surplus could have been allocated to prevent these unprecedented price increases and instead support the local community during challenging economic times.
"The council proudly proclaimed their budget underspend and significant investment in pothole repairs, yet they chose to ignore the needs of struggling local people. This Conservative-led council is attempting to rectify years of neglect on Wiltshire’s roads as a strategy to garner votes in next year’s election, rather than addressing the immediate financial challenges faced by our residents," Hubbard commented. Councillor Hubbard is calling for the council to reconsider this decision and explore alternative solutions that do not disproportionately impact vulnerable groups within the community. "It's imperative that we prioritise the well-being of our residents and ensure that local policies support, rather than exploit, those who are already facing financial hardship."
Proposed New Charges
| Church Street | Current Cost | Proposed Cost | £ Increase | % Increase |
| 12 Months | £500 | £600 | £100 | 20% |
| 6 Months | £250 | £300 | £50 | 20% |
| 3 Months | £125 | £150 | £25 | 20% |
| Bath Road | Current Cost | Proposed Cost | £ increase | % increase |
| 12 Months | £600 | £760 | £160 | 27% |
| 6 Months | £300 | £380 | £80 | 27% |
| 3 Months | £150 | £190 | £40 | 27% |
| Union Street | Current Cost | Proposed Cost | £ Increase | % increase |
| 12 Months | £660 | £800 | £140 | 21% |
| 6 Months | £330 | £400 | £70 | 21% |
| 3 Months | £165 | £200 | £35 | 21% |
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