Tameside town centres busier following introduction of free parking

Car park use has soared by 40% since Tameside Council introduced two hours free parking. Traders have also reported that they are busier and seeing more customers since the launch of the free parking in June.

Tameside Council’s Executive Cabinet brought in the offer, following extensive consultation, to make it easier and more convenient for people to visit and shop in the borough’s town centres and use local services.

The two hours free parking is available Monday to Saturday before 6pm across all of the authority’s car parks, including the council run car parks at Tameside Hospital and the car park at Denton Wellness Centre. Motorists are reminded they still need to get and display a valid ticket to get the free offer.

In the first four weeks following the free parking being introduced on 9 June, car park usage shot up to 94,265 as opposed to usage of 67,329 in the four weeks prior to the offer – an increase of 40%.

Ashton Market traders, have also reported they are busier.

Rob Williams, manager of Williams Deli, said: “We’re seeing a lot more footfall – especially for the school holidays, when we would expect to be quieter. I often hear customers commenting that it is a lot easier to shop in the market and town centre now they can park for free – it’s definitely making a big difference. They can spend more time now having a browse, they can even stop for a brew.”

Third Generation butcher Joel Pearson said: “It’s definitely a lot busier – especially in the mornings and we’ve seen an increase in transactions. The two hours free parking is helping us to compete with supermarkets – it’s now as easy and convenient for people to come to the town centre and the market as it is a supermarket and many people are taking up the opportunity.”

Warren Hartfield, owner of Sea King fish stall, said: “It’s busier and we’ve had good feedback from customers. Anything like this helps. They have another incentive now to shop local and spend more time looking around, seeing what’s on offer.”

Tameside Council Executive Member for Towns, Transport and Connectivity Cllr Stephen Homer said: “This is brilliant news. It’s fantastic to see our car parks are now much busier, meaning more people are visiting our town centres more often. I’m especially pleased traders are saying they are busier and have seen a big difference.

“This is exactly what we wanted – to make it easier for people to use our town centres and local services as part of their day to day activities and shopping and leisure habits, supporting businesses and helping our town centres to thrive. We listened to feedback and we responded, underlining our commitment to supporting residents and businesses.

“The offer is among the very cheapest in Greater Manchester, making Tameside a very competitive place to visit, shop and do business.

“We’re seeing car park usage increase week on week and, while we know there’s further work to do to support town centres, this is a huge step in the right direction as we crack on with our major plans to redevelop and revitalise Tameside’s towns, helping them to transform and prosper in changing times.”