ACS Welcomes Debate on Shopper Parking
13 Sep 2007
ACS, the campaigning voice of local shops, has welcomed a report published by a Conservative policy group that suggests changing the way car parking charges are levied on out-of-town developments, and called for further examination of the ways to promote local shopping.
The proposals come from the Quality of Life policy group led by John Gummer MP and Zac Goldsmith. The report suggests charging for out-of-town parking to promote the use of local shops that are often within walking distance.
James Lowman, ACS Chief Executive, said: “Our members provide shopping in the places where people live and work and most of their customers travel from within walking distance. Encouraging customers to walk more and drive less is a key part of sustainable retailing. Government at national and local level need to look at the options for making this change.
“The current system of car parking charges is inherently unfair on retailers trading in and around town centres. Out of town superstores have large amounts of car park space on which they pay low business rates, while town centre parking and public transport options are expensive and less attractive. We welcome this report and see these proposals as one of the options that should be fully explored. We look forward to contributing to the debate that this report will generate.”
Contact:
Shane Brennan Public Affairs and Communications Manager
ACS
01252 515001 / 07921 372978
Rachel Lawson Communications Co-ordinator
ACS
01252 515001
Michael Saxton Grappa
020 7602 9222
Notes to Editors:
1. ACS is the convenience store champion, helping local shops thrive through lobbying, insight, information and commercial services.
The proposals come from the Quality of Life policy group led by John Gummer MP and Zac Goldsmith. The report suggests charging for out-of-town parking to promote the use of local shops that are often within walking distance.
James Lowman, ACS Chief Executive, said: “Our members provide shopping in the places where people live and work and most of their customers travel from within walking distance. Encouraging customers to walk more and drive less is a key part of sustainable retailing. Government at national and local level need to look at the options for making this change.
“The current system of car parking charges is inherently unfair on retailers trading in and around town centres. Out of town superstores have large amounts of car park space on which they pay low business rates, while town centre parking and public transport options are expensive and less attractive. We welcome this report and see these proposals as one of the options that should be fully explored. We look forward to contributing to the debate that this report will generate.”
Contact:
Shane Brennan Public Affairs and Communications Manager
ACS
01252 515001 / 07921 372978
Rachel Lawson Communications Co-ordinator
ACS
01252 515001
Michael Saxton Grappa
020 7602 9222
Notes to Editors:
1. ACS is the convenience store champion, helping local shops thrive through lobbying, insight, information and commercial services.