Weymouth Parking Charges To Be Cut By 'Up To 60%'

14 March 2014, 08:35

Parking charges in Weymouth are going to be cut by up to 60% to attract more shoppers and stop more businesses leaving.

There are currently 27 empty units in the town, a rise on last year. The high cost of parking is being partly blamed for putting off shoppers and holidaymakers, leading to businesses leaving the town.

The cost of parking in the town will be reduced by Weymouth and Portland Borough Council from 1 April.

Julie Cleaver from the Dorset Chamber of Commerce says there's still hope for the area:

"The local authority is also introducing more permits for our hotels and there are some places where you can park all day for £5.

"We're getting quite lazy aren't we, as shoppers. It's all about convenience. I think really people need to get behind local shops.

"Some shops in the town centre at the moment are relocating to larger premises. So there are some green shoots, some people who are doing well. I think businesses need to keep close to their customers, listen to what they need and adapt to give them that.

"Weymouth has got so much more to offer, it's not just a retailing town. Add a few more shops into the mix and you've got the perfect holiday."