A TOWN’s business group has published a report on parking, calling for an hour's free parking on the High Street.

Northallerton Business Improvement District (BID) has put together the report after conducting a survey with town centre firms and has called for an increase in free high street parking from 30 minutes to one hour.

Northallerton BID, which represents more than 200 businesses in the county town, has published its findings, including that 63 per cent of town centre businesses believe the current parking regime of 30 minutes free parking has a negative or very negative impact with reduced footfall or falling sales.

Businesses criticised the 30-minute free limit on High Street, calling for this to be extended to one hour consistent with Bedale, Thirsk, Stokesley and Yarm.

Julia Robinson from BID said in the report: “We believe it is more important than ever to defend the vitality of Northallerton town centre by making it as easy and convenient as possible for visitors to park.

"Completed by 94 respondents, it represents a comprehensive cross-section of findings about the impact on trade and footfall since the introduction of parking charges in 2014.

"Our primary aim is positive dialogue on how we can work together to develop a progressive and comprehensive parking strategy that meets the needs of a modern, dynamic town-centre."

The BID said it seeks to work constructively with NYCC to examine the current parking regime on Northallerton High Street

The report added: "We recognise that NYCC, like all local authorities, faces significant financial pressures and that it is unrealistic to expect the total abolition of parking fees. Nevertheless, we are convinced there are intelligent opportunities to increase retail footfall through the introduction of more flexible parking arrangements on the High Street. Evidence from other towns and cities points strongly towards a direct correlation between retail performance and the availability of free parking. The BID strongly recommends NYCC to extend the free parking allowance on Northallerton High Street to one hour.

A North Yorkshire County Council spokesman said: “The parking charges have been in place for some time and were introduced to assist traffic management, improve the flow of vehicles and to increase the availability of parking.’’

Visit www.lovenorthallerton.com/parking.

Sign the petition to extend high street parking to one hour at

www.change.org/p/north-yorkshire-county-council-one-hour-s-free-parking-in-northallerton.