Shoppers given free parking to boost trade

Council officials have agreed to introduce the free parking scheme in the hope of boosting trade for retailers in the town centre.

From tomorrow, parking will be free in all council-run off-street car parks and on-street parking bays, up to and including Christmas Eve.

Coun Gerald Smith, Rotherham Council’s cabinet member for town centres, economic growth and prosperity, said: “The free parking scheme is one of a number of initiatives that have been introduced to increase the numbers of shoppers in the town centre and keep the tills ringing in our local stores.

“We’ve seen some great results following projects such as the Business Vitality Grants scheme and hope to see visitor numbers continue to rise.

“We have fantastic businesses operating here in our town centre, offering something different and unique to what’s available at our nearest competitors.

“Free parking provides another incentive for shoppers to visit the town centre and shop local this Christmas.”

Although parking will be free on Saturdays, maximum stay restrictions will remain in force to ensure a turnover of parking spaces.

Disabled spaces will also remain for blue badge holders only.

Brij Chaggar, from the Barnsley and Rotherham Chamber of Commerce, said: “Christmas is a vital trading period for many of our retailers and so we are delighted with the news that free parking will be re-introduced to support businesses at this time.

“We hope that shoppers take advantage of the incentive and that ultimately traders benefit from a boost in Christmas sales.”

Latest figures show that the number of empty properties on Rotherham’s primary shopping streets has fallen by 3.4 per cent between 2009 and 2011, while footfall is also on the rise.