A petition to reinstate free short-stay parking in Tilehurst has received more than 2,700 signatures - but change to the parking arrangements is unlikely.
Earlier this year, free 30-minute weekday parking at the Dunstall Close and Recreation Road car parks was removed, sparking protests that shops in the area have lost business due to the decision.
A total of 2,754 people signed the petition, with 2,245 doing so online and 509 on paper.
The petition was officially presented during a full meeting of Reading Borough Council by Conservative activist Nick Fudge.
He said: "As residents of Tilehurst, we have seen the detrimental impact of parking charges being introduced.
"Our favourite shops and traders in The Triangle have suffered a significant drop in business due to these new charges. The once-thriving local businesses will struggle to survive, making it challenging for us as residents to access amenities that we rely on daily.
READ MORE: Tilehurst business owner fears for survival of shop as free-parking is axed
"The Labour-run council's decision to remove the 30-minute free parking scheme has not only affected our community but also undermined small businesses - the backbone of our local economy. Small businesses play a vital role in job creation and economic growth.
"According to the Federation of Small Businesses, small firms accounted for 99.3 per cent of all private sector businesses at the start of 2020 and provided 61 per cent employment.
By imposing these parking charges, we are risking this valuable contribution.
"We urge the council to reconsider their decision and restore the 30-minute free parking scheme immediately.
"This action will provide much-needed relief for our beloved local shops and traders while ensuring that residents can continue accessing essential services conveniently."
But the decision to remove the free 30-minute parking is unlikely to be reversed, as the change was part of a borough-wide review of fees and charges.
The free weekday parking was revoked in March. Parking costs £1 for an hour at both sites during weekdays.
The Recreation Road site is free to park on Sunday only. Meanwhile, the Dunstall Close site has free parking for 30 minutes on Saturdays, with Sundays being free.
John Ennis (Labour, Southcote), lead councillor for climate strategy and transport said: "The cost of providing car park facilities and maintenance of those car parks has increased significantly.
"In some instances, income from Council car parks has failed to cover the rising costs of running them, such as lighting, pay and display machines, maintaining surfaces, and relining.
READ MORE: How much Reading Borough Council makes in parking charges and fines in a year
"The Council recognises the importance of local shops to communities and have carefully considered the fees with a view to keeping them as low as possible, whilst also improving public transport, walking and cycling facilities to enable residents to access them by more sustainable means.
"Given the financial pressures the council is facing, all financial options were assessed but the failure to generate sufficient income from the car parks places wider stresses on the council's finances and the ability to deliver core services."
READ MORE: Independents on Tilehurst Triangle fear CLOSURE after council scraps free parking
Mr Fudge handed in the petition after cllr Ennis' remarks at the meeting on October 15.
The council was able to generate £1.59 million (£1,599,175) income from its car parks in 2022/23 from £1.9 million (£1,942,853) in expenditure and £3.5 million (£3,542,029) in gross income.
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