Jessica Luper 31 July 2015

Councils urged to extend free parking to large towns

Councils have been urged to provide free parking in town centres after new research revealed nearly three quarters of motorists say that parking charges influence whether they visit a town or not.

A poll of thousands of drivers suggested that the high street minister Marcus Jones’ recent call for free parking in small towns may have to be extended to bigger ones.

The poll found that 71% of people felt the amount charged for parking determined whether or not they will visit a town centre, holiday resort or attraction.

Deep-rooted scepticism of what drives parking charges showed 89% of respondents believed that parking charges are set to maximise council income and operator company profits – rather than simply providing a service.

Nearly nine out of every 10 (89%) were realistic enough to accept that parking is bound to be more expensive where parking space is at a premium.

However, 67% of AA members feel that councils and companies that run parking often treat users badly, with 62% agreeing that there are never enough spaces and not enough is being done to improve provision. 86% of the drivers said that parking spaces are often too small for the size of the modern car.

‘The minister’s recent intervention chimes well with the overwhelming opinion of AA members and other drivers. He just needs to extend those sentiments to council-run parking in bigger towns,’ said Edmund King, the AA’s president.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Chief Executive

Ebbsfleet Development Corporation
up to £165,000
Ebbsfleet is one of the UK’s most ambitious regeneration projects, a 21st-century Garden City Ebbsfleet, Kent
Recuriter: Ebbsfleet Development Corporation

Temporary Accommodation Officer

London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
£38,976 - £47,229 per annum
As with many other Boroughs in the capital, tackling homelessness is a high priority. The Temporary Accommodation Procurement Officer will be required to source new business to increase the supply of properties based on the demand by building relationship 90 Putney Bridge Road, Twickenham
Recuriter: London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth

Partnership Co-ordinator - Voluntary & Community

London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
£43,545 - £52,767
Partnership Co-ordinator - Voluntary & ... Wandsworth, London
Recuriter: London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth

Planning Support Officer

The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council
Up to £34359 per annum
Keep our planning service running smoothly, supporting the team that shapes the future of our borough.As a Planning Support Officer, you'll play a vit England, London, City of London
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council

Change Communications Lead

Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council
£42,839-£48,226
Having come out of government intervention after two years in 2024 Sandwell, West Midlands
Recuriter: Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council
Linkedin Banner