The FPB says this would increase footfall in town centres, make them more attractive places for firms to do business, and reduce the number of vacant commercial premises.
FPB head of policy Alex Jackman said: “There are so many good reasons why all councils should be considering something along these lines, but first and foremost would be to help retailers through another tough trading year.
“High streets across the country are under threat and have been for many years now from the likes of out-of-town shopping centres where parking is universally free. Then there’s the internet and the rise of e-tailers taking an increasingly bigger slice of a shrinking consumer pie.
“It doesn’t take a genius to work out that councils charging people ever more for the privilege of coming in to their town centres to spend their hard earned cash is not the best plan to grow footfall. Set it against a backdrop of spiralling motoring costs and it’s a recipe for disaster.”
If councils want to see fewer empty properties blighting their high streets, then axing car parking charges is something they must look at. It’s no longer acceptable to just offer free parking at Christmas to help traders during the festive period, a tactic in itself which shows councils do understand the link between free parking and increased trade.
“If councils want thriving town centres with improved occupancy levels then they need to take drastic action without delay.”
The FPB has pointed to Lancashire’s Pendle Council where free parking is offered right across the borough in all 45 of the authority’s car parks for the first two and half hours, saying its model is a great example of a council doing its bit for local business.
