TWO hours of free parking across Tameside is continuing to drive more people into town centres, according to new council figures.
Data from the local authority shows that car park use has more than doubled since the scheme was introduced last year.
Council-run car parks recorded 129,898 visits in December 2025, compared with 69,349 in December 2024, highlighting a sharp increase in usage since the initiative launched in June 2025.
The offer allows motorists to park for up to two hours free of charge, Monday to Saturday before 6pm, in all council-run car parks across the borough. This includes sites in Ashton-under-Lyne, Denton, Droylsden, Dukinfield, Hyde, Mossley and Stalybridge, as well as council-operated car parks at Tameside Hospital and Denton’s Tameside Wellness Centre.
Drivers must still obtain and display a ticket from the machine, but there is no charge for tickets covering stays of up to two hours.
The scheme was introduced following consultation with residents, businesses and other stakeholders, amid concerns about town centre footfall and the impact of parking charges on local trade.
It also followed widespread criticism of parking price increases in September 2023, when some car parks saw charges rise from £1 to £3.50 for three hours, prompting complaints from shoppers and traders who said the hikes were driving people away.
Early signs suggest the free parking offer is helping to reverse that trend, with increased footfall reported and local businesses saying they are busier.
Councillor Stephen Homer, Executive Member for Towns, Transport and Connectivity, who represents the Mossley ward, said: “The success of our free parking initiative is clear. Car park use has more than doubled, and we’re seeing real benefits for residents, local businesses and town centres.
“This scheme was designed to make visiting and shopping in Tameside easier and more affordable, and the results show it’s working.”
The impact of the scheme has also been recognised externally, with Tameside Council receiving a Business Buddy Award from the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB).
The award, which was last presented in 2018, is given sparingly to organisations that show strong support for small businesses. The free parking initiative was praised for helping high streets during a particularly challenging period for the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors.