New parking review to support residents and town centres

Parking in Tameside is to undergo a new review to ensure it supporting the current offer of local town centres.

Tameside Council wants to hear the views of residents, businesses and other stakeholders and is planning to run a number of consultation and listening opportunities before any proposals for the future offer are put forward.

Over the last few years, the council has implemented several changes to both off-street (pay and display car parks) and on-street (time limited marked bays) parking. The most recent being in the summer of 2023. A key element of that review was to bring in cashless payment in all car parks, which was completed this month.

With local town centre redevelopment plans moving forward at pace, the council’s Executive Cabinet have agreed to review the current offer to ensure it is fit for purpose to support residents and the local economy.

The review will start with a number of listening opportunities for key stakeholders, with further opportunities for residents and businesses and a consultation to come in the new year.

Tameside Council Executive Member for Towns, Transport and Connectivity Cllr Stephen Homer said: “What’s most important to us is to listen to what people need to support them. We’re going to take the time to properly gather information, understand thoughts and ideas – starting with key stakeholders across the borough and then we look forward to gathering residents’ and businesses’ views in the new year.

“I want us to be able to provide a parking offer that really benefits our residents and town centres and businesses. While there is no statutory requirement for councils to provide a parking service,  we know it is a very important service - not least for our residents to be able to access vital services and to support our town centre businesses with footfall. There are also important links to wider transport connectivity, the environment and housing for town centre living. I hope as many people as possible get involved in the review so we have a full understanding of everyone’s views and needs.”

For more information see www.tameside.gov.uk/parkingreview. Further details on the review and opportunities to find out more and get involved will be shared in the coming weeks.