PARKING in town centres needs a radical rethink to encourage shoppers to return, it has been claimed.

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) in Cumbria has been working with local authorities to find ways to combat car parking issues across the county.

Research conducted by the FSB shows that members voted overwhelmingly for better co-ordination of parking policy, measures to encourage shoppers and visitors to stay for longer, and harnessing new technologies to bring Cumbria’s car parking provision into the 21st century.

FSB regional chairman for Cumbria Gary Lovatt said: “We were pleased that Cumbria County Council reneged on plans to introduce on-street parking charges last year, but business doesn’t want to sit back and wait for the next round of plans to be imposed.

“We want to be on the front foot, helping to stoke the debate about how we ensure we have vibrant urban centres and suggesting ways in which local authorities can positively affect change in their areas, without having to worry about finding large amounts of funding, which is obviously key in the current climate.”

The FSB has shortlisted a number of recommendations for local councils which would make parking much more convenient for shoppers. These include installing cashless payment machines, increasing “pay on exit” capacities, investing in park-and-ride facilities, increasing temporary parking solutions for busy periods and making parking free after 3pm.

It has also suggested creating an online Car Parking Hub which would allow people to check available spaces and prices online before their visit so people don’t have to spend time driving around looking for spaces.

A final recommendation was to establish a parking forum which would allow businesses to discuss options more freely with council members. Some areas fall under county council control whereas others are controlled more locally.

Parking forums would allow each area to undertake a full assessment of its supply and demand and have an open discussion on how to best manage provision. Each forum should also include representatives from the business community.

Mr Lovatt added: “We believe these recommendations are sound. Not all will be appropriate for every area, but they will all enhance the visitor and shopper experience, assist employees of businesses working in town centre areas and also potentially see parking revenues increase.

“We would like to meet with each local authority to discuss these and see where we can make a real impact.”