Wolverhampton Tories call for free parking on Sundays
Wolverhampton's Conservatives have called for free parking in the city on Sundays.
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Councillor Simon Bennett, leader of the Conservative opposition on the Labour-run council, will tonight (Wednesday) call for the measure at a meeting of the council.
Councillor Bennett said allowing the free use of council car parks on Sundays would help tackle the ongoing struggles faced by city-centre businesses which had been hit hard by rising costs and increased competition from online retailers.
He said recent increases in council parking charges, and the introduction of fees at previously free private car parks, had led to a decline in the number of people visiting the city.
“Free Sunday parking is a simple, pragmatic step that will help businesses in our city centre by encouraging more people to visit, shop, and support the local economy," he said.
"The council has hiked parking charges, driving customers away at a time when our high streets need support more than ever.
"Our proposal is fully costed and will make Wolverhampton a more attractive place to visit on Sundays, bringing much-needed economic benefits to our city.”
He said introducing free parking on Sundays would cost the council £156,000, which could be funded by reduced expenditure across non-essential services.
