PLANS to charge businesses that operate in Bristol’s parks £450 a year have again been shelved.
The proposals, which would affect fitness trainers and dog walkers, among others, surfaced in 2018. Councillors approved the idea after public consultation but it was never implemented.
Over the summer, the chair of the public healrth and communities committee revived the plan ans said charging would begin on October 1.
But after an outcry, the council agreed to put the scheme on hold again and find out more about what park users think.
Green Party councillors in Ashley, Bishopston & Ashley Down and Redland wards say they want to differentiate between smaller businesses and not-for-profit organisations and commercial enterprises.
They are concerned at the potential impact of the fees on health – but they also need to bring in money. They say that Bristol is the only major city that does not have a licence scheme.