‘Ridiculous’ cost of town centre parking

Oldham business leaders have criticised proposals to make drivers pay more to park in town centres.

Local government minister John Healey claimed the rise would encourage more people to walk and reduce traffic congestion. But Carol Hopkins, Oldham local manager at Greater Manchester Chamber, said: “This is a ridiculous suggestion. Drivers already pay a lot to park in most of the town centres across Greater Manchester.

“Raising the cost of town centre parking would simply encourage drivers to make more use of out-of-town shopping centres and supermarkets at the expense of town centre shops. Traffic congestion would not be reduced, simply moved elsewhere.

“The only thing such a rise in parking charges would achieve is the killing off our high streets.”