UK High Streets Face Backlash Over New Parking Charges and Changes

Parking Changes Put Pressure on High Streets Across the UK

# New Parking Charges Spark Backlash on High Streets Across the UK Parking has become a growing flashpoint for high streets, with disputes over charges, parking spaces and redevelopment plans emerging in Somerset, Shropshire, Cornwall and Cambridgeshire. For independent retailers, the concern is straightforward: if parking becomes more expensive or less convenient, fewer customers may choose to visit local shops. ## Somerset parking charges face opposition In Wiveliscombe and Milverton, a survey of 430 car park users found that 73 per cent currently use the free car parks in Croft Way, North Street and Fore Street for shopping and other visits. More than half of those surveyed said they would stop using the car parks altogether if daily charges were introduced. One local shop owner warned that trade was already difficult and said parking charges could put further pressure on the business. Charging was originally due to begin last October but was paused while Somerset Council carries out a wider parking review, with the survey findings now feeding into committee reports due in September. ## Shrewsbury traders call for cheaper parking In Shropshire, a petition calling for a review of Shrewsbury's parking charges has gained support, with councillor Tamarin Bibow saying some residents are choosing Telford instead because of parking costs and congestion. Parking charges in Shrewsbury increased in November 2025 after a three-year pause, with the council saying the rise was needed to bring charges into line with neighbouring authorities. The petition is calling for cheaper parking at higher-cost locations and reduced-price periods aimed at encouraging shoppers back into the town centre. The wider campaign for more accessible high street parking has also been backed by Spring Fair and Autumn Fair, which are calling for 90 minutes of free parking on England's high streets. ## Newquay parking spaces face removal In Cornwall, the dispute is about the number of parking spaces rather than the cost of parking. Cornwall Council's Mid Cornwall Metro scheme proposes removing 19 short-term spaces on Cliff Road in Newquay to make room for a new cycle lane. A council-run survey found that 49 per cent of respondents said they would use nearby shops less often if the parking disappeared. Local traders argue that the spaces are important for year-round footfall, as well as quick shopping trips and deliveries, while Cornwall Council says nearby replacement spaces are being created and the wider scheme will improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists. ## St Ives car park could make way for homes In St Ives, Cambridgeshire, attention has turned to the future of the Cattle Market car park and bus station. Developer Capital & Centric has proposed up to 120 new homes on the site, alongside a gym, green space and an area for bars, cafes and restaurants. The proposals are still at an early engagement stage, with Huntingdonshire District Council inviting feedback before 4 September. Some residents have raised concerns about the scale of the proposals and questioned where shoppers would park if the existing car park was redeveloped. ## Parking remains a high street issue Although the four disputes involve different proposals, they share a common concern for independent retailers: convenient and affordable parking can have a direct impact on high street footfall. Whether the issue is higher charges, fewer spaces or the possible redevelopment of a car park, changes to parking can quickly affect how customers choose where to shop. None of the four schemes is described as final. Somerset's proposals remain under review, Shrewsbury is considering the petition alongside its wider parking strategy, Cornwall has indicated some flexibility over the detail of its scheme, and the St Ives proposals have not yet reached a planning application. For retailers and motorists, the debates show how closely parking policy is linked to the future of town centres, particularly where businesses rely on customers making convenient local visits. The campaign for 90 minutes of free parking on England's high streets is also continuing, with supporters arguing that giving shoppers more time without a charge could make local shopping easier.