Free parking bid to boost trade (From Salisbury Journal)

Free parking bid to boost trade

10:00am Tuesday 16th October 2012 in News By Jill Harding

WILTSHIRE Council is offering shoppers in Salisbury an hour’s free parking in the week before Christmas in a bid to boost seasonal trade in the city.

A voucher has been printed in the latest copy of the council’s magazine Your Wiltshire and is also available online.

The voucher, which can be used several times, allows an extra hour’s parking.

However, motorists must pay for at least an hour’s parking first.

They can then display the voucher on their dashboard next to their full price ticket.

This is the second year the council has run the scheme and the vouchers are valid in all Wiltshire car parks but not for on-street parking in the city.

The voucher is in the latest edition of the magazine and the council is asking people to keep it safe until Christmas.

Cabinet member for highways Dick Tonge said: “I really hope people take advantage of this offer to help stimulate shopping in our towns and city in the run up to Christmas.

“All residents in Wiltshire will receive the voucher for one hour of free parking when their Your Wiltshire magazine drops through their door. It will be a welcome boost to both businesses and shoppers.”

Wiltshire Council has come in for heavy criticism for its parking policy, which costs rise dramatically.

The Journal led a campaign that produced a 7,000 signature petition that led to a minimum two-hour charge being dropped and one-hour charge being re-introduced, but all day parking remains at £7.40.

Business leaders and Salisbury City Centre Management have repeatedly called on the council to look again at parking charges.

Anyone who does not received a copy of their Your Wiltshire magazine can contact the council on 0300 4560100.