Free car park misuse attracts parking tickets

The Thames-side Promenade which is off Richard Avenue allows free parking for sight-seeing visitors. But the privilege is being abused, say local councillors. Commuters are leaving their cars all day, to go into town centre for work, or to shop. This place is near to the Reading Rowing Club. To overcome this situation the council’s cabinet committee, due to meet on Monday, may approve introduction of fees for parking. Proposed fees are to be £1, £1.5 and £2 for 2, 3 and 4 hours respectively. The fee would be between 9am & 5pm form Monday to Friday; 11am to 3pm on weekends. Motorists will not be charged for overnight parking. Even residents nearby will find it useful overnight, when space is not found on the road. At the same time, it will deter commuter parking, help leisure users and people using the Thames River cruises that take about 7 hours.