Austin Macauley 08 January 2016

Poll: scrap parking charges to revitalise the high street

Businesses in small towns and villages would enjoy up to 60% more trade if councils abolished car parking charges, a survey has found.

A poll by car leasing firm Flexed found that most drivers opt to shop elsewhere if charges are in place, even if parking fees are as low as 20p.

87% said they would shop locally if paid parking was not an issue.

‘It can’t have escaped the attention of local authorities that supermarkets with free parking are packed to the rafters, while town and village centres are withering away,’ said Flexed spokesperson Mark Hall.

‘We know of towns that charge over a pound per hour for parking, and the shopping streets are full of empty storefronts.

‘Out-of-town supermarkets really have become the one-stop solution for a huge majority. It’s not just groceries. You can buy clothes, electricals, even fill up your car. Who needs to pay to park in town or the local village anymore?’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

HR Onboarding Officer (CDC)

City Of Doncaster Council
Grade 7, £27,259 - £29,955 (Pay award pending)
You have an opportunity to be part of a busy Human Resources team which offers HR support across the Council. Doncaster, South Yorkshire
Recuriter: City Of Doncaster Council

Purchase to Pay Administrator (Fixed Term) - WMF2122e

Westmorland and Furness Council
£25,584 - £25,992
We are looking for an Administrator to join our Purchase to Pay and Accounts Receivables team Cumbria / Various
Recuriter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Social Worker - WMF2123e

Westmorland and Furness Council
£41,511 - £42,708
We’re looking for passionate social workers to join our team in Kendal following a recent reshape of our services. Kendal, Cumbria
Recuriter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Environmental Health Officer

Wyre Borough Council
£38,626 - £41,511
We are looking to appoint a full time Environmental Health Officer within the Environmental Protection and Community Safety Department. Poulton-Le-Fylde, Lancashire
Recuriter: Wyre Borough Council

Trainee Graduate Accountant

Wyre Borough Council
£25,992 - £37,938
Are you looking to kickstart your career in Finance? Poulton-Le-Fylde, Lancashire
Recuriter: Wyre Borough Council
Linkedin Banner