Blackburn MP Adnan Hussain has renewed his call for free parking in Blackburn town centre, revealing that council leaders have agreed to explore the idea following discussions at the authority's top level.
The independent MP said he had raised the issue with Blackburn with Darwen Council's chief executive on several occasions since being elected, most recently last Friday, when she and council leader Cllr Phil Riley "reassured" him that options would be explored.
It comes days after Blackburn businesses and a town centre councillor backed a national campaign calling for a standard 90 minutes of free parking on high streets across the country.
Business owners said parking charges can discourage shoppers from making quick visits into town, while Cllr Terri Mahmood argued short-stay free parking could help Blackburn compete with retail parks.
Mr Hussain said his preferred option would be free short-stay parking on streets around Blackburn town centre, alongside consideration of free parking periods in council-run car parks.
He said: "If we want people to choose Blackburn town centre, we have to make it easier for them to do so.
"Our businesses need customers, and our town centre needs footfall."
The MP suggested visitors could be given 60 or 90 minutes of free parking to allow them to shop, attend appointments or visit cafes without worrying about parking charges or penalties.
He also floated a range of alternatives, including the first 60 or 90 minutes free in council car parks, free parking after 3pm, or designated free periods during quieter parts of the day.
Mr Hussain acknowledged that parking charges generate income for the council but argued the wider economic impact on struggling town centres should also be considered.
He said: "I would much rather see busy streets, busy car parks, increased footfall, and occupied shops than protect parking income while watching businesses struggle."
The MP pointed to Harrow Council, which introduced and later made permanent a free one-hour parking scheme, as an example Blackburn could follow.
He also noted that Darwen already benefits from mainly free town centre parking. Blackburn with Darwen Council's parking information shows several free council-operated car parks in Darwen, while charges apply in Blackburn town centre.
The intervention adds political weight to a debate already gaining traction locally.
As previously reported in the Lancashire Telegraph, retailers including Something Special, Le Rainflorest and The Refreshment Bar voiced support for free parking, although some argued broader measures such as lower business rates, lower rents and attracting more shops would be needed to revive the high street.
Cllr Mahmood similarly warned that free parking alone would not solve the challenges facing town centres.
Mr Hussain agreed that parking reforms would not be a "silver bullet" but insisted practical measures were needed to encourage more people into Blackburn.
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He said: "Free parking alone will not solve every challenge facing our town centre.
"But if we are serious about getting Blackburn's economy moving again, we have to be prepared to try practical ideas that make it easier for people to come into town and spend their money with local businesses."
The MP has also submitted an Early Day Motion in Parliament supporting wider calls for free short-stay parking and said he would work with the council, businesses and other stakeholders as proposals are considered.
The Blackburn MP added: “Free parking alone will not solve every challenge facing our town centre, and I don't pretend that it will.
"But if we are serious about getting Blackburn's economy moving again, we have to be prepared to try practical ideas that make it easier for people to come into town and spend their money with local businesses.
“I am pleased that the Council has now agreed to explore the issue. I will work constructively with them, our businesses and other stakeholders on what can be achieved, but my objective is clear: make it easier to park, make it easier to visit Blackburn, and give our town-centre businesses the footfall they need to thrive.
“Other towns will follow. Blackburn should lead.”
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