Last updated 11:24, Wednesday, 19 November 2008

On yer bike is just one phrase that might spring to motorists lips as they read our report today on Carlisle city council plans to hike parking charges.

A report suggests raising fees in Carlisle and imposing a £1 charge to park at Talkin Tarn, near Brampton.

But something is deeply wrong here.

The council is happy to back ‘shop local’ schemes to encourage people to use shops and businesses on their doorstep, boost the local economy and safeguard local jobs, rather than enjoy a day out on a coach or bus trip.

How does raising our parking charges encourage this?

And the authority is keen to tell us to get more exercise and stay healthy – how does imposing charges on one of the area’s most attractive and popular country walks prompt us to use it?

If the council goes ahead with these schemes, Talkin will become a ghost tarn and Carlisle will be bereft of shoppers.

City centre workers will take to the bus – or get on their bike to work.

A balance has to be struck between the council getting the money it needs and damaging trade in the city centre. Businesses must be consulted before any price hike.

All the economic forecasts for next year spell out doom or gloom.

Pricing people out of a trip to Carlisle will only make matters worse – but it might encourage bike sales.