Free Saturday parking could provide a ‘shot in the arm’ for struggling Isle of Wight town centres, councillors have claimed as further details emerge about the thinking behind a proposal now being investigated by County Hall.
Councillors from across the chamber backed calls to explore removing Saturday parking charges from selected council-operated town centre car parks between September and April.
As previously reported by Island Echo, Reform UK Councillor Reuben Loake’s motion was passed by the Isle of Wight Council last Wednesday (16th September).
The decision does not introduce free parking, but means the financial and operational implications of the proposal will now be investigated.
Speaking during the Full Council meeting, Cllr Loake said a “terminal decline” was clearly evident on high streets elsewhere in the country and argued action was needed to prevent Isle of Wight town centres suffering the same fate.
Cllr Loake said:
“This is our opportunity to show local businesses and hardworking families that this council is firmly in their corner during the toughest trading months of the year.
“We all know that our local independent retailers and small businesses owners are the lifeblood of our towns.”
Article continues below this advertisement
His motion states that independent retailers and high streets across the Isle of Wight face “distinct economic pressures”, compounded by the seasonal nature of the tourism economy.
It argues that removing Saturday parking charges during the quieter months could encourage residents and visitors to spend more time and money in town centres.
The proposal also received support from Conservative Councillor Matthew Price, who represents Fairlee and Whippingham.
Cllr Price pointed to a previous free parking initiative in Newport as an example of how reducing parking costs could support businesses.
Cllr Price said:
“In Newport, we had an hour free parking for some time which was an absolute shot in the arm for the businesses and recognising that parking is one of the biggest disadvantages to small businesses in our town centres is absolutely critical.”
Councillor Paul Fuller, the Island First Network representative for Cowes West and Gurnard, described the proposal as “long overdue”.
Cllr Fuller said:
“I’m very enthused that this is going to go to the section 151 officer… to look at the cost implications if there are any that appear.”
Under the proposal, free Saturday parking would be limited to core town centre shopping car parks. Coastal, beachside and transport-interchange car parks would be excluded for financial reasons.
Motorists should note that no change to Saturday parking charges has yet been approved.
The next stage will see the council investigate whether the proposal is financially and practically viable before it returns for further consideration by elected representatives.
