FREE parking for evening shoppers could reverse ‘years of decline’ for retailers in Coventry City Centre, opposition councillors say.
The matter is set to be discussed at a full council meeting today with Conservative councillors hoping the idea can attract more visitors to the city.
Parking in the city centre is already free after 6pm but councillors have called for this to be made earlier for a trial period.
They have pointed to falling use of on-street parking bays and figures which show car park use dwindling at the end of last year.
Plans have not yet been formalised but the motion calls for consideration of ‘free evening parking on a regular basis.’
Councillors Gary Crookes and Marcus Lapsa say the proposal is an attempt to boost the city’s high street retail sector.
Recent council statistics show that in the second quarter of this year there were 54 empty units in the city centre.
This compares to just 22 in the same period in 2005.
The rise of internet shopping and Brexit uncertainties have placed considerable strain on high street retailers such as House of Fraser and BHS.
Many have issued profit warnings and begun closing stores.
Amid plans for regeneration of the Upper Precinct and Cathedral Lanes, retailers will be seeking assurances of high numbers of shoppers, good accessibility and ‘diversity’ in the existing retail offer, Conservatives say.
Coun Crookes said: “The government is making a huge investment in our city centre and these are exciting times.
“However, there’s an uncertain outlook for the high street at the moment and we’ve got to give retailers a helping hand.
“By offering free parking on a trial basis we can encourage more shoppers to visit the city centre and learn from the experience.
“If it’s successful it could then be rolled out on a more permanent basis.”
Coun Marcus Lapsa, who seconded the proposal, said: “Free parking on its own won’t resolve the problems on the high street – there’s a much bigger discussion to be had about how our cities will look in the future.
“However we must do everything we can to support retailers in the city centre.
“If those shops thrive it’s great for residents and they’ll pay back more to the council in business rates in the end.”
The Conservatives claim the cost of longer free parking time zones would be outweighed by an increase in rental income and business rates.
Council response:
Councillor Jim O’Boyle, Labour cabinet member for jobs and regeneration, said: “The motion is very vague. Free parking is a very small part of how to rejuvenate and regenerate high streets.
“We have 457 free on-street spaces which are free after 6pm – which is quite a considerable number.
“What is an incentive for retailers is how we regenerate the city centre.
“That is what drives footfall and that is why there has been an increase in footfall over the last couple of years.
“All of our plans are designed clearly towards wanting to make the city centre a more attractive place to shop and visit.”
