No 'free after three' on private car parks

The idea of free parking after three on private car parks in Rochdale town centre has been ruled out by owners of private car parks.

Town centre businesses have long been concerned that car parking charges deter shoppers from the town centre.

Rochdale Council has previously responded to those concerns with its 'free after three' initiative on council owned car parks in 2009, which was extended to include free all day Saturday in 2010 - a move that was met with consternation by private car park owners who feared it could have “drastic consequences” on their income.

http://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/45499/free-saturday-parking-could-have-%E2%80%9Cdrastic-consequences%E2%80%9D-for-private-car-parks

In a move seen as a major boost for town centre retailers, prior to Christmas 2013 the council announced it would be free of charge to park on council car parks after 10.00am from Saturday 14 December to Sunday 5 January.

The idea of private car park owners agreeing, or somehow being forced, to offer car parking free after three would be surprising given they have operating costs to cover and a profit to make, however, it was mooted just prior to Christmas that talks were taking place to bring this about.

Greg Couzens, town centre hairdresser and Vice Chairman of Rochdale High Street Foundation, posted on social media:

"Talks are taking place to introduce Free After Three in private car parks!

"We can force the [sic] hand!"

This led to rumours circulating that the Council was going to force the issue, however, this was a misunderstanding of what Mr Couzens actually posted (the perils of social media) and the council made it clear it was not aware of the talks Mr Couzens referred to.

http://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/84450/rumours-of-free-parking-on-private-car-parks-unfounded

Rochdale Online has asked the major car park owners in the town centre if they have plans to offer free after three car parking and all those contacted said they do not.

Chris Greaves, who owns a number of private car parks in Rochdale town centre, said: “I have no intention to make my car parks free. The council’s rates are extortionately high and I have a business to run.”

The Wheatsheaf Shopping Centre will not be offering free parking. Centre manager, Martin Ballard, said: “We run a private car park operation, with a very low income level – but we are the cheapest hourly rate in the town, as far as I’m aware.”

The Mecca Bingo car park is owned by an outside operator and Caroline Mooney from Parking Eye stated that: "Non-members are required to pay the relevant parking tariff.”

Lorenzo O’Reilly, Rochdale Exchange Manager, explained the Exchange did offer free after three parking for a short period prior to Christmas but then reverted to their usual charge: “Our usual car park tariff allows visitors to park with us for up to two hours for only £1 and is free all day on a Sunday.

“The parking charges help us to ensure our car park is well maintained.”

When Mr Couzens was challenged as to what he meant by forcing the hand of private car park owners, he said by the public boycotting private car parks.

Commenting on the boycott suggestion, Mr Greaves said: “If people wish to boycott my car parks then that is fair enough. It’s a free world and people can park where they want to.

But asked: “Will Greg Couzens be cutting hair for free after three?”

Mr Couzens has been invited to comment but no comment has been forthcoming.