Blackburn businesses back campaign for 90 minutes of free parking

The support comes as a national campaign urges the Government to introduce a standard 90-minute free parking period in town and city centres across the UK.

A petition launched by retail event organiser Spring & Autumn Fair follows research suggesting nearly two-thirds of consumers would visit their local high street more often if free parking was available.

Councillor Terri Mahmood said Blackburn town centre "needs every boost it can get right now" and argued that short-stay free parking could help level the playing field with retail parks.

He said: "A 90-minute free parking offer would make quick visits easier whether it's grabbing lunch, picking up essentials, or supporting our independent traders."

He also acknowledged there were practical challenges, including the potential loss of council income and the need to ensure spaces were not occupied all day.

"With the right controls, the benefits could outweigh the risks, especially if it encourages more people to shop local," he said.

However, he stressed that free parking on its own would not solve the challenges facing town centres.

He said: "We need a combination of better lighting, more visible policing, cleaner streets, regular events and continued investment in making Blackburn a place people want to spend time in."

The campaign has also won support from Blackburn businesses, which say parking charges can discourage shoppers from making quick trips into the town centre.

The Refreshment Bar on Northgate said free parking had previously helped drive footfall when afternoon and Sunday parking was free at Barton Street car park.

A spokesperson said footfall had declined noticeably since those incentives ended, but argued the biggest challenge facing the high street was a lack of shops. They added that lower business rates could help attract new businesses.

Something Special also backed the proposal, although the Blackburn Market retailer suggested three hours of free parking would have a greater impact than 90 minutes.

A spokesperson said free parking would help town centre businesses compete with retail parks and online shopping, but added that lower rents and business rates would provide the biggest boost.

Lorraine Johnson, owner of florist Le Rainflorest, said free parking would "definitely" encourage more people to visit Blackburn town centre.

She said parking costs could be a barrier for shoppers making short visits, even if people spending several hours in town were less concerned about charges.

Campaign organisers say a 90-minute free parking standard would encourage more visits to high streets and support independent businesses.

Research commissioned by the organisation found that 63 per cent of consumers said free parking would encourage them to visit their local high street more often, while almost 40 per cent of independent retailers said it was the single most important measure councils could take to support town centres.

Blackburn with Darwen Council's parking information shows several free council-operated car parks in Darwen, while parking charges apply at Blackburn town centre car parks.