On-street parking charges should be an “election issue” retailers have said.

In an open letter, representatives from the 30 towns and cities affected by the Department for Regional Development proposal have urged political leaders to oppose the measures which they claim will “kill” town centres.

The Northern Ireland Independent Retail Trade Association, British Retail Consortium, Pubs of Ulster and Ulster Chemists’ Association have also signed the letter which forms part of a wide-ranging campaign against the introduction of additional charges.

“This is the first time local chambers of commerce have come together to speak on one issue,” said Glyn Roberts, chairman of the NIIRTA.

“It shows the depth of concern that there is with regards to this issue. We believe, and listening to what people are saying on the ground, the DRD consultation should be binned and these charges should also be binned.”

The letter is being sent to leaders of the five main parties as well as the Greens and TUV.

The DRD has said it aims to introduce the parking levy next year in a bid to raise about £37m over a four-year period.

The Belfast Telegraph’s ‘Park The Charges’ campaign precedes a public consultation on the issue and is backing the small independent retailers' opposition to the charges.

Mr Roberts added: “The business community and local traders do not want these charges and lection candidates in the local areas which are affected are opposed as well.

“It is not good enough to just say there is a consultation. The consultation should be dropped.”

Among those backing the campaign is retailer Richard Acheson, who has owned a clothes shop in Limavady for 25 years.

He said: “This is an election issue here in Limavady. We have the Park The Charges posters up alongside the election posters.

“Surely the politicians can learn from other experiences. They only have to look at the north of England to see what will happen to town centres if they continue to push through these charges.

“It will kill business in Limavady, and the small retailers are certainly in no mood to accept this. It is just mad.”

What we are calling for...

The Belfast Telegraph is urging the next DRD Minister to scrap plans to introduce on-street car parking charges.

Traders from all 30 towns have already expressed through this paper serious concerns about the impact the measures could have on our town centres. At a time of economic difficulties, the Stormont Executive should be supporting retailers and recognising their vital role in the economy.

Outgoing Minister Conor Murphy declined to give an interview regarding the controversial proposal.