May 31, 2019 3.42 pm This story is over 58 months old

Local Democracy Weekly: Getting parking right

It’s important, now more than ever, to entice shoppers and visitors to the city
Broadgate Car Park.

Is car parking too expensive in Lincoln? Not according to the city council leader this week after the authority missed out on more than £1 million in parking revenue.

It’s often argued that cheaper parking would lead to more feet on the street, however, you also have to balance that with the offering of the city itself.

Councillor Ric Metcalfe said the council’s facilities were keeping charges down when compared to the private operators.

He said good facilities were important for the retail and business sector – adding that the council could just leave it to the free market.

Balancing the low cost with the overheads needed is another driving factor behind the charges being what they are.

Many would argue they could be lower, however, others would also argue you need to offer an incentive for people to visit the city itself.

The improvements around the city are helping with that – with the latest plans from Lincolnshire Co-op to regenerate St Mary’s Street also getting the go ahead this week.

It’s important, now more than ever, to entice shoppers and visitors to the city especially with the decline of high streets due to online shopping. Regeneration, such as the Cornhill, can only help so much. — DANIEL JAINES