Survey reveals negative impact of parking regulations on retailers
A new survey has revealed that 40% of convenience store retailers believe that a lack of available parking for customers is having a negative effect on their business.
Figures released by the Association of Convenience Stores from its Voice of Local Shops survey show that London retailers are the hardest hit by UK parking regulations with 71% believing that their business is suffering as a result of inadequate provision.
Overzealous parking enforcement and on street parking charges were also identified as having a negative influence on trade.
ACS chief executive James Lowman said: “Convenience stores are facing increasing costs in all aspects of their business, but they are also unnecessarily suffering from the environment in which they operate. Government and Local Authorities need to plan for sustainable centres and while consumer habits are changing toward ‘little and often’ purchases, overzealous parking enforcement and a lack of space to park is pushing customers away into out of town supermarkets.
Never Miss a Retail Update!“We are calling for a common sense attitude to parking, and believe that customers should be able to pop into their local shop to pick up essential groceries without the fear of being given a fine.”
Communities and Local Government Minister Eric Pickles has called for motorists to be given a grace period to park outside shops without having to pay.
Last month Pickles told the Daily Mail: “We are looking at more ways to curb ridiculously high parking charges and over-zealous traffic wardens who pounce on those simply popping into their local shop for a pint of milk or to buy a paper. This overly aggressive stance towards the motorist is not good for the high street.”
