Every day we are hearing in the news that there is doom and gloom and that the high street stores are closing. Town centres across the UK are seeing a reduction in footfall and takings are down.
Wouldn't it seem logical then that we shold be looking for ways to drive people in to the centre and make it easier for people to reach the stores.
So, the council, in their wisdom have decided to do away with a large number of free car parking spaces that are close to the shopping centre. At a recent meeting, they have stated that they are going to use the money raised to improve public transport.
One argument that they put up was that people are being made redundant and therefore will be selling their vehicles and relying upon public transport. Well in my view, this argumnt is fundimentally flawed. If I was made redundant, yes I would consider selling my car, but that would be a last resort as wouldn't I need it in my job hunting, I may need to travel further afield in order to find alternative employment. Also, If I've been made redundant, then the last thing on my mind would be shopping
in the centre. I'd be cutting my costs and just doing basic grocery shopping at the supermarkets.
We're very lucky to have a world class shopping centre in Milton Keynes and it attracts thousands upon thousands of people from out of town. Are they really going to be looking for public transport. In my opinion they're looking for a hassle free shopping experience, which starts with parking their car without being ripped off.
Why doesn't the council actually buck the trend and look for more free parking spaces so that people are actually encouraged to go to the centre.
What do you think?