House of Commons · Westminster Hall
14 January 2025 · 10 other contributors · 4,619 words
Opened by Sonia Kumar Lab Dudley
Responding minister: Alex Norris
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
Sonia Kumar raised concerns about parking: town centres in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key points
Key requests to Government
Councils should investigate measures such as free short-term parking arrangements to support small independent traders and increase footfall without relying on excessive parking charges that act as a cash cow. The debate calls for more imaginative solutions like one-hour free parking, which has proven successful in other areas.
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.
Opened the debate
Local authorities across the country are increasing parking fees to address financial difficulties. In Dudley, council changes have sparked significant debate and concern among residents and traders. The rise of internet shopping has driven shoppers away from high streets, leading to a decline in footfall and viability for local businesses.
Discussed the importance of parking in town centre success, highlighted safety measures with increased police presence, and suggested a workaround for parent and child parking bays using current legislative framework.
Supported Sonia Kumar's call for measures to reduce parking charges and consider free short-term parking arrangements to support small independent traders facing mounting pressures, including those tied into long leases.
Emphasized the link between parking issues and public transport infrastructure, advocating for improved rural networks to alleviate town centre accessibility problems.
Shared an example of how one-hour free parking had increased footfall in local shops and generated more business rates. He suggested that councils should be more imaginative in giving local people what they want.
The hon. Member's concerns about increased parking fees are shared by many constituencies. He suggested that extending parking discounts could increase footfall and help town centres.
Lack of family-friendly parking spaces and enforcement issues harm working families in town centres. Town centre parking needs to prioritise accessibility for all, especially pregnant women.
The MP emphasised the need for redevelopment funding to transform unused car parks into spaces that attract tourists, thereby enhancing the potential of their town.
High parking charges in market towns are pushing customers away, impacting local communities negatively. Contractors managing local assets should support the community more effectively.
Agreed with Sonia Kumar on the need to respect residents' views about excessive parking charges, which have become a cash cow for councils. He highlighted the negative impact such schemes can have on communities.
The Member highlighted concerns about recent parking charge changes in Harpenden and advocated for empowering local authorities to support businesses and high streets through investment.
Government Response
Alex NorrisThe Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government
The Minister acknowledged the challenges faced by town centres due to changing shopping habits and austerity. He discussed the importance of effective parking policies that reflect local community interests and contribute to town centre prosperity. The Traffic Management Act 2004 grants local authorities responsibility for parking provision, requiring them to strike a balance between residents, businesses, workers, and emergency services.