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Parking charges are on the increase and some businesses have said this will have an impact on trade. However, despite fears, there is plenty of evidence showing the cost and the availability of parking isn’t the biggest factor affecting trade.
It is a common misconception that providing as many parking spaces as possible at a free or cheap rate is the best way to manage parking and maxise trade. Actually the key is to ensure that parking is managed so that spaces are made available for customers when and where it is deemed appropriate for their needs.
Research does show us that customers value being able to park easily, and convenience is something they’re willing to pay for. Evidence suggests that different customers (residents, shoppers or workers for example) have very different parking needs and priorities and parking must be managed to suit the balance of the town. |
By far the biggest factor affecting a town’s competitiveness is the retail, commercial, leisure and tourism facilities not the provision of parking. So, if a town has a good retail offer, it will continue to attract customers, despite having poor or expensive parking; in contrast, a town with very good parking facilities, but a limited retail offer, will struggle to attract customers.
Therefore, the logical explanation is for us to continue to provide exciting and new facilities and keep consumers coming back for more. VECTA are keen to work with traders and the Council to ensure that parking provision continues to be sufficient for everyone in the town, but also to attract new businesses and to ensure that current traders thrive.
What’s your view? Let us know at www.vecta.info/forum |