'Shot In The Arm' For Businesses - Free Parking Bid Supported From Across The Chamber

A bid to explore free Saturday town centre parking between September and April won widespread support from across the Isle of Wight Council chamber.

Reform UK representative Reuben Loake told County Hall a “terminal decline” is clearly evident on high streets elsewhere in the UK, at a meeting on Wednesday evening (September 16).

He said his motion, which was passed by full council, to further investigate the feasibility of free Saturday town centre parking between September and April ensures town centres are protected from this fate.

The proposal said independent retailers and high streets across the Island face ‘distinct economic pressures’ which are compounded by the seasonal nature of the Isle of Wight’s tourism economy.

It stated that making council-operated off-street town centre car parks free on Saturdays between April and September would create a ‘powerful incentive’ for the public, including residents, to stay, spend, and support Island businesses.

The submission said the stimulus should be restricted strictly to core town centre shopping car parks and excludes coastal, beachside and transport-interchange car parks for financial reasons.

“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,” Cllr Loake said.

“We all know that our local independent retailers and small businesses owners are the lifeblood of our towns.”

Cllr Matthew Price, a Conservative representing Fairlee and Whippingham, was resolute in his support for the motion.

“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,” he said.

Cllr Paul Fuller, the Island First Network member for Cowes West and Gurnard, described the bid as “long overdue”.

He added:

“I’m very enthused that this is going to go to the section 151 (chief financial officer) officer… to look at the cost implications if there are any that appear.”