Trafford Council should kickstart the local economy by bringing in free two-hour parking in council-owned car parks in Altrincham and the rest of the borough.
That’s the view of Trafford Conservatives, who say the move would encourage visitors to return to towns in Trafford as lockdown restrictions continue to be relaxed over the coming weeks.
Currently, it costs £1 to park in most council-owned car parks in Altrincham and Hale – including those on Oakfield Road, Cecil Road and Victoria Road – with a half-hour stay costig 50p. Regent Road Car Park is currently closed for the Chapel Square redevelopment.
But Cllr Dave Morgan, Shadow Executive Member at Trafford Council for Housing and Regeneration, says this is a disincentive for residents.
“We all know how valuable our high streets are and how vital they will be to getting Trafford back up and running,” he said.
“With the Council to receive Government funding to support a range of safety measures that will help local businesses get back on track, now is an ideal time to review car parking charges in our towns as we move into preparing for the reopening of non-essential retail.
“Councillors are regularly contacted by residents who are frustrated with Council parking charges when they can park for free in some non-council operated car parks. To level up and support our high streets, Conservatives are calling for this small change which would be funded by government grants and would boost Council income in the long-term through helping to retain rate paying businesses in our town centres.”
