Free parking on a Saturday

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Free parking on a Saturday on all council owned car parks is being rolled out across the borough.

The decision to introduce free parking all day on a Saturday was made at a Cabinet meeting tonight (Monday 12 July 2010).

The scheme will run on a six month trial basis and is part of a bid to encourage shoppers into the town centre.

Cabinet Member for Skills and Economic Recovery, Councillor Keith Swift explained that the move was to improve the shopping experience for people visiting Rochdale.

Councillor Swift said that people may be looking at their watches to make sure they are back to their cars in time rather than being able to spend lengthier times shopping.

Councillor Swift said: “Free parking on a Saturday will encourage people to shop in Rochdale and make shopping more of a pleasure for those who already do.”

The report put to the cabinet this evening suggests that a loss of £80,000 will be made by the council over the sixth month period.

One point on the report caused controversy between members, this particular part states that a budget of £3,000 will be required to change all existing tarrif boards to inform the public of the changes.

Suggestions were made to use stickers over the signs rather than brand new boards.

The one risk outlined in the report to cabinet is the potential loss of income for existing private car park owners in the town centre.