A worshipper slams parking measures on the road outside a church in Reading, claiming she and others will be forced to ‘Pay to Pray’.
Earley Christian Fellowship (ECF) is an evangelical church based at 153 Wokingham Road in East Reading.
According to a worshipper, the church is well attended, with people walking, cycling, getting the bus or driving there.
Worshippers were previously able to park for two hours to enable them to attend services and activities. After that, they would have to pay 50p per hour.
However, this free parking was removed in January last year, meaning drivers now have to pay £2.70 to park for three hours.
Members of the church have submitted a petition calling for this decision to be revoked.
Bernadette Cowling, presenting the petition, said: “We understand the council’s desire to reduce cr journeys, commitment to net zero and to treat all religious groups fairly.
“However, we do still have concerns for some of the people with protected characteristics, such as the elderly, pregnant mums and parents or grandparents with babies and toddlers attending midweek play cafe, for example.
“The new parking scheme still disadvantages these groups. This demographic will continue to use cars irrespective, as this is often their only feasible option.
“Those able to walk or cycle often do so, our existing cycle racks are overflowing on Sunday morning and not just since the parking changes.
“However, not everyone can walk or cycle. One older lady worked out it would take her an hour on the bus, whereas it takes her five minutes in the car.”
She then pointed out other car parks, such as those in Dunstall Close and Recreation Road in Tilehurst, which have free evening parking and are free on Sundays.
Mrs Cowling said: “Wokingham Road has no free charging parking at all, being charged 24/7.”
She also called for free Sunday parking in Wokingham Road, or allow two hours free parking like in Talfourd Avenue and Melrose Avenue.
The petition was answered by John Ennis, lead councillor for climate strategy and transport.
Councillor Ennis (Labour, Southcote) said: “The parking charge is now consistent across the borough, treating all people and all religious groups in the same way. It would be difficult to provide a different approach at Wokingham Road to support the ECF, as this could be viewed as favouring one religious group over another.
“The council’s overall move towards creating a net-zero borough is not supported by free parking, even for a limited period.
“Pay and display charges are an effective and proven tool in encouraging behaviour change and by maintaining a free parking period, travellers would be encouraged to continue to use their vehicles, which is not something the council wishes to encourage.”
The exchange took place at a traffic management sub-committee meeting on June 11.
