Free Saturday parking in council-run town centre car parks across the Isle of Wight could be introduced for 8 months of the year, under proposals going before councillors next week.
Councillor Reuben Loake is calling for the feasibility of free parking every Saturday between 1st September and 30th April to be investigated in a bid to boost Island high streets during the quieter months.
The motion will go before a meeting of the Full Council next Wednesday (16th September).
If eventually approved, the scheme would be restricted to designated Isle of Wight Council-operated off-street car parks serving town centre shopping areas.
Coastal, beachside and transport-interchange car parks would be excluded, with Ryde Esplanade, Quay Road Long Stay, Hope Road Long Stay and Yaverland Long Stay specifically named in the motion.
Councillor Loake’s proposal highlights the economic pressures faced by independent retailers and high streets on the Isle of Wight, particularly because of the seasonal nature of the tourism economy.
It says footfall in shopping hubs including Newport, Ryde, Cowes, Sandown and Shanklin traditionally drops significantly between autumn and spring.
The motion also argues that standard parking charges can discourage residents from shopping locally and that free Saturday parking could encourage people to stay, spend and support Island businesses.
However, free parking would not be introduced immediately if councillors back the motion.
The first step would see the council’s Section 151 Officer and finance teams investigate the feasibility of the proposal and model its potential impact on seasonal parking revenue.
Officers would also be asked to identify possible changes to parking charges between April and September to balance the council’s budget without compromising core statutory services, before reporting back.
The council would then consider that report with a view to introducing the free Saturday scheme.
If the changes were subsequently agreed, the Policy Finance and Resources Committee and Economy, Regeneration, Transport and Infrastructure Committee would be asked to incorporate the seasonal tariff changes and their funding mechanism into the council’s parking strategy.
The motion also calls for collaborative work with Island business networks, town and parish councils and Chambers of Commerce on an Island-wide promotional campaign.
Officers would be expected to produce an impact report at least annually, examining footfall, financial outturn variations and feedback from businesses.
Full Council will consider the motion when it meets at 18:00 on 16th September.
