Saltash Free Parking in December Has Had a Real Impact

The Saltash Town Council's decision to allow free parking during December in Saltash has had a real impact to the town's trade in the New Year.

A survey conducted of local traders following the 'free Christmas parking' scheme has revealed that over two-thirds feel that it has had a real positive impact on trade in the town. Of the 67 traders who responded to the survey question 'Has free parking improved business?' 46 responded 'yes', whilst none stated that it had negatively affected trade.

Cllr Adam Killeya, co-chair of the Saltash Town-centre Improvement Group (STIG) who organised the scheme stated: "We were always sure that people would like the scheme, but that fact that such a large proportion of businesses say that it has made a tangible difference to trade is very pleasing. These are tough times for business and we are delighted that the scheme helped."

STIG co-chair Liam Bradley, who conducted the survey added: "When I spoke to traders a lot of customers chipped in to express their approval of the free parking. We even had customers from other parts of Cornwall saying that they wished other towns would follow Saltash's lead."

The Saltash Town-centre Improvement Group is now examining potential follow up projects to the scheme, both in relation to parking and to other ways of boosting the town centre.