Free Limited Saturday Parking would benefit local trade.

6.00.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Sun 26th Jul 2009

Free limited time Saturday parking would benefit local trade

At the last meeting of Reigate and Banstead Borough Council held on the 23rd of July it was debated "This council is responding effectively to the needs of its community in the economic downturn."

In this debate I proposed that the council should suspend Saturday car parking charges across the borough.

Our towns have lost major stores such as "Woolworths" but also many smaller independent traders that give our towns and shopping parades their distinctiveness and character.

Whilst there would be a loss of revenue to the council, it is my view that making our car parks free on a Saturday would stimulate the local economy by encouraging residents to shop locally and may as well bring shoppers in from further afield.

In Reigate this would also have the benefit of relieving the pressure on "Morrisons" car park with their controversial two hour limit.

An increase in shoppers could make all the difference as to whether staff are employed and businesses remaining viable during this economic downturn.

Cllr. Graham Norman

Meadvale and St. Johns Ward.