OVERTURNING controversial car parking charge rises has left shoppers and traders in Ashton-under-Lyne celebrating after seeing an increase in footfall.
Tameside Council’s U-turn on fees across the borough now sees two hours free on facilities owned by the authority, rolling back a 2023 decision that increased fees from £1 for three hours to £3.50.
The new structure is in place seven days a week, with parking costing £1 after 6pm and the same amount for all-day on Sundays.
However, there has been some confusion as drivers still need to display their free tickets to avoid fines.
The immediate effects, though, have been welcomed.
Gary Mottershead, of Ashton Farmhouse Deli on the indoor market, said: “I had a busier day on the opening day – footfall seemed a bit better, the car parks are rammed again now, so let’s see what happens.”
“I don’t really come in very often,” said Alison, from Ashton, who came into town to shop with her mum.
“But if you look at the car park now, it’s normally absolutely empty, so that two hours will enable people to come in and use the shops, so I think it’s a good idea.”
Val Unwin, who has run Decisions Clothing on Fletcher Street since 1999, also hopes the decision will be a catalyst for shops across Tameside.
She said: “There are more people on in the morning, but when it comes to two in the afternoon, if you go out there, it’s empty.
“I’m really pleased with the decision, and I think it’s the best thing that could’ve happened, but the only downside for me is that it’s taken nearly two years to get there, which has been very, very damaging.
“Ashton’s been a building site for the last 15 years – that’s fine, the work’s got to be done – but it’s going to be June next year before we see anything like completion.
“We’ve still got lots of independent businesses, which I’m keen to promote, and those people need support.”
Another local trader, Richard, thinks the car parks should be free to use all day: “The car parks have been dead and so has the market, although all the work going on [rebuilding the outdoor market] doesn’t help much.
“The horses have bolted.
“It’s only started this week, so people haven’t got the notice from their friends yet, and it’ll take ages for it to get back to normal again.”
After almost two years of higher fees for drivers to use council-run car parks, Tameside Council believes its rollback is a potential game changer.
“This is going to make a huge difference in helping people to use our town centres and support local businesses as part of their day-to-day activities,” said Cllr Stephen Homer, executive member for towns, transport and connectivity.
“It will really help businesses, residents and shoppers and support our town centres to thrive and move forward with modern shopping, living and leisure habits and needs.
“The offer is among the very cheapest in Greater Manchester, making Tameside a very competitive place to visit, shop and do business.
“We have listened to feedback and what people need and providing two hours free parking underlines our commitment to supporting residents and businesses and backing our town centres.
“We have major plans underway to redevelop and revitalise Tameside’s towns and this offer is an important piece in the masterplan in helping them to transform and prosper in changing times.
“The offer will also mean patients and people visiting their loved ones at Tameside Hospital will also be able to get two hours free parking Monday to Saturday before 6pm if they use the council-run hospital car parks.”
The move has been broadly welcomed by opposition councillors, with the caveat that the elevated car parking fees should never have been introduced.
Conservative councillor for Hyde Werneth, Phil Chadwick, told The Correspondent: “After years of public frustration and pressure from businesses and residents and local Conservatives on Tameside Council, I am glad that Tameside Council have finally acted by introducing two hours of free parking.
“This is a significant victory for our borough, making shopping more accessible, supporting local businesses, and giving our town centres a much-needed boost.
“However, it’s important to remember that these unfair parking charges were introduced under Tameside Labour’s previous cabinet member, who works for the Business Secretary, Jonathan Reynolds.
“The damage to local businesses was avoidable, yet it took relentless public outcry for the Council to reverse course.
“This decision proves that when communities stand together, they can force change, even when those in power are slow to listen.”
Allan Hopwood, Reform UK’s new Longdendale councillor, echoed Cllr Chadwick’s thoughts, adding: “I am delighted Tameside Council has implemented this two hours free parking and hope to see further initiatives in the future to help people during this current difficult financial time.
“This will inevitably boost trade for local shops and businesses in the area,
“Whilst these initiatives cost money, I feel it will generate a return on the investment, and if that proves to be the case, perhaps we could look at additional ways to boost the local economy whilst saving residents money.”
Officials at Tameside Council expect the change to cost about £1 million in lost revenue from pay and display machines and to support additional road maintenance costs.
However, they hope an increase in footfall will add more than that to the local economy.