32 The campaign follows new research revealing retailers and consumers have independently identified the same practical measure to help encourage more visits to Britain’s high streets. Launching under the banner ‘Support Free Parking. Back Local Businesses. Bring People Back’, the campaign centres around a Parliamentary petition urging local authorities to view parking as part of a wider strategy to increase footfall, support independent businesses and strengthen local economies. The campaign has been developed from Voices of Retail, Spring & Autumn Fair’s annual research programme produced in partnership with Faire. Drawing on the views of retailers and consumers across the UK, the latest findings uncovered a striking consensus: 38% of independent retailers believe free parking would have the greatest positive impact on their business, while 63% of consumers say it would encourage them to visit town and city centres more often. The research also highlights the opportunity facing Britain’s high streets. Almost all consumers (95%) say they would spend more if their local high street offered a better mix of shops, while 96% want to see more independent retailers alongside cafés, bakeries and other experiences that encourage them to spend longer in town centres. The findings suggest people want to support local businesses when high streets are easy to access, enjoyable to visit and offer compelling reasons to stay. As the UK’s leading retail trade events, Spring & Autumn Fair has launched a new national campaign calling for a minimum of 90 minutes’ free parking in town and city centres across England. Here’s all you need to know... NATIONAL CAMPAIGN CALLS FOR 90 MINUTES’ FREE PARKING Jonathan Monck Mason
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