Car parking charges in Nantwich could be cut amid plans by Cheshire East Council to “better support local towns and businesses”.
Council chiefs say the review into parking charges will include consultation with the town centre’s retailers.
Many believe parking charges on council-owned car parks like Love Lane, Civic Centre and Snow Hill encourage drivers to shop out of town.
The council did make parking on Snow Hill (pictured) free after 3pm in August last year as part of a wider “Free after Three” borough-wide initiative.
The latest plan is to talk to businesses, partnerships and people with disabilities on an off-street parking pricing policy.
As well as Nantwich the review will also focus on Crewe, Macclesfield, Knutsford and Congleton.
Electric vehicle charging bays also look to be introduced in some of the car parks.
Councillor Michael Jones, Leader of Cheshire East Council, said: “Parking policy needs to reflect the needs of different areas and help bring more people into Cheshire East to spend money and boost the local economy.
“However, we recognise each of our towns is unique and so we are not advocating harmonisation of charges across Cheshire East.
“We will focus on our key towns as a starting point.
“We know car parks aren’t free as we have to maintain them and we need to operate on a full-cost-recovery basis.
“What we can do and will do is listen and act wherever we can to develop and implement a more attractive car parking policy to boost economic vitality and job creation.”
A report setting out a set of key recommendations will be put before the council’s cabinet for consideration on November 11.
“Conversations with businesses and local people as well as research have shown accessible, affordable and attractive parking places encourage people to shop in towns,” Cllr Jones added.
“Therefore, we want to continue those conversations and listen even more to local stakeholders on the way forward to nurturing strong communities and further boosting local economies and job creation.”
I work for one of the biggest, if not the biggest employers in Nantwich. Parking in the street opens you to verbal abuse and intimidation from residents. If I have to pay to park that will be a big chunk out of my monthly wage at £3.00 per day. Coming to work on the bus is not an option as I don’t live on a bus route. Why does Cheshire East not allow parking on the Civic car park all day at a reasonable rate? By all means encourage shoppers but please also think about the workers who contribute a good amount of revenue to the town.