Free parking begins to support night-time economy

The council has said increasing parking costs in the city in 2024, including in Broad Street, pictured, had been a difficult decision made as part of wider financial challenges

Free evening and overnight parking is being temporarily provided in one of Wolverhampton's main car parks as part of a new plan to support the night-time economy.

Visitors to Broad Street car park between 17:00 and 05:00 BST can park for free from 15 October for "the busy autumn and festive period", the city council said.

To continue the support, the authority said a new flat rate of £2 between the same hours would be introduced in the car park from 5 January.

The "pilot" scheme comes after councillors approved a city centre evening and night-time economy strategy on Wednesday, to help businesses manage rising costs, a squeeze on household incomes and changing customer behaviour.

Broad Street car park is the city centre's most widely used night-time parking spot, according to the council.

"By offering free evening parking initially and transitioning to a reduced flat rate, the pilot aims to contribute towards a growing, more vibrant and welcoming city centre after dark to stimulate the night-time economy," a spokesperson said.

They added it would provide "valuable insights" in developing a longer-term parking strategy.

Some hospitality venues and pubs have been critical of the hike in parking prices at the end of 2024 and called for the council to review the costs, which the authority said it would.

'Drive footfall'

Shaun Keasey, who operates two nightclubs and two pubs in the city and is chair of Pubwatch, previously said many premises were "fuming" at the rise of up to £15 a day to park in the city centre and £6.40 for four hours.

But he said news of the reduction was a "positive move" that would help the later nightlife economy.

"Unfortunately, it will do very little for the day-time venues and shops," he added.

"I hope to see this initiative widened and expanded to all council-operated car parks in the city centre."

Councillor Chris Burden, cabinet member for city development, jobs and skills, said the change in parking prices came after engaging with businesses, workers and residents and he hoped local people would support "our fantastic night-time businesses".

"It will help drive footfall during what is a challenging time and critical trading period for the hospitality sector," he said.

A wider car parking strategy is yet to be developed, the council said, which will include a review of all car park uses and charges across the city centre.