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

Family Support Worker

Durham County Council
Grade 6 £27,269 - £30,060 (Pay Award Pending)
Do you want to work in an ambitious Local Authority with strong leadership and partnership commitment to Children’s Services? Durham County Council a Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

SENDIASS Support Officer

Durham County Council
Grade 8 £31,586 - £35,235 (Pay Award Pending)
An exciting and rewarding opportunity has arisen within the busy and fast paced SEND Information, Advice, Support Service (SENDIASS). The service has Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Residential Worker

Durham County Council
Grade 7 £29,093 - £32,654 (Pay Award Pending)
Salary
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Team Leader

Durham County Council
Grade 8 £31,586 - £35,235 (Pay Award Pending)
Salary
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Class Teacher

Durham County Council
£31,650- £33,483
Class Teacher MPS 1 -2   £31,650- £33,483 Temporary – required from Monday 1st September 2025 (subject to DBS) until 31st August 2026 25 hours per wee Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner