TRADERS and shoppers in Arnold have welcomed a reduction in parking charges, which they think will boost trade.
Council-run car parks in Gedling are free for two hours. They had been charging £3 for four hours, but this has now been slashed to £1.
Tito Joao, owner of Re-Fresh Cafe at Arnold Market Place said: "People will stop for more time if they don't have to rush back. For us that means they're more likely to pop in for a coffee or something to eat."
Regular Arnold shopper and mum-of-two Tara Walker, 32, of Valley Road, said: "It means people can relax more when they're shopping. If I've been to the supermarket and had breakfast then the two hours are gone.
"There are a lot of older shoppers who like to come to Arnold and it means they can be more relaxed during their trip."
Controversial parking charges were first introduced in 2009 and businesses lobbied against Gedling Borough Council to scrap them.
Traders reported a 25 per cent drop in trade later that year and two hours of free parking was introduced in October 2011.
Shopper Lynne Roberts, 64, of Gedling Road, said: "I know a lot of people from Mapperley and Lambley who won't come here because of the parking charges. I think with it just being a pound they'd be more likely to come back.
"I walk here myself, but I would say I'm more likely to drive if parking was cheaper - or completely free."
But some think the damage to businesses suffered after fees were first introduced has already been done and is irrecoverable.
"It might improve trade but I think the damage is already done," said Sharon Kleiman from Jentz barber shop in Gedling Road. "I'd like to see them bring in a parking permit, which would be cheaper for regular parkers and be good for workers who use the car parks."
The reduction in half-day parking costs relates to all council-run car parks in the Gedling borough, including other shopping hubs like Netherfield, Carlton and Mapperley Top.
Council leader John Clarke said: "We've listened to local businesses and people and sometimes two hours isn't quite long enough to have a wander around the shops, get a cup of coffee or go to the hairdresser.
"We're hopeful people will spend longer in our town centres while still giving the choice of free car parking for those who only need a couple of hours and we are doing whatever we can to support our local economy."
