Why Is Town Centre Parking An Important Topic To Discuss

Why Parking in Our Town Centre is an Important Issue

Parking in Grimsby town centre has become a frequent talking point, and it’s clear that how we manage our parking directly impacts our town’s accessibility, attractiveness, and overall success. 

As we continue to work towards regenerating our town centre, ensuring that parking caters to all residents' needs is essential. 

Listening to our community's feedback is a valuable first step in getting it right.

Different visitors have different parking requirements:

🚗 Popping to the bank – Quick access is crucial. If parking isn't convenient, those brief visits can easily turn into stressful experiences.

🚙 Meeting a friend for coffee – An hour or two in town for socialising requires reasonably priced short-term parking.

🚗 Attending a job interview – The last thing anyone wants when preparing for an interview is the added stress of difficult parking options.

🚙 Doing a full M&S shop – Shoppers often need larger spaces and easy access to loading zones for heavier bags.

🚗 Purchasing a room makeover from TK Maxx – For large-item purchases, proximity and loading ease are key.

🚙 Supporting mobility issues – Accessible parking for those with mobility challenges is non-negotiable if we want to foster an inclusive town centre.

🚗 Parking for work – Affordable, all-day parking is essential for town centre workers, who form the backbone of our local economy.

What Our Community is Saying:

The conversation about parking isn’t just theoretical—local residents have shared their experiences and frustrations, highlighting the need for changes that benefit everyone:

- Join it all up with the same rates and permissions for each car park."

There’s a desire for more consistency across car parks. Different pricing models and payment methods create confusion, particularly for those less comfortable with technology. As one resident mentioned, "Not everyone can use the mobile phone facility to pay their parking, especially the elderly and others that struggle with online technology."

- "There should be some free parking to allow you to just pop in."

 Several people miss the days when there were areas with free parking for quick errands. The idea of “free parking for the first two hours” at key locations like Freshney Place Shopping Centre was suggested to encourage shoppers back.

- "30-minute free parking limit—do you think that's enough?"

Some feel 30 minutes isn't sufficient for even the quickest of tasks. A pregnant resident shared that "Once my baby arrives, 10 minutes of that 30 minutes will likely be spent just getting the baby in and out of the car."This highlights the importance of giving visitors more flexibility.

- "I'd love to see a similar scheme in place as there is at Freeman Street Market."

The success of free parking at Freeman Street Market and Brigg, where visitors get 2 hours free, has prompted suggestions for replicating this model elsewhere in the town centre. The scheme incentivises people to stay, shop, and support local businesses.

These comments reflect a common theme—parking is not only about availability but also about ease, affordability, and adaptability to the different needs of our community.

Why Is Parking So Important?

1. It Impacts Footfall

If parking options are too costly, confusing, or difficult to access, people will simply stop coming. Residents have expressed that free parking days on a regular basis could help boost much-needed footfall, a vital factor for local businesses. Making parking simple and affordable encourages people to visit more often, and for longer periods, directly supporting the town centre economy.

2. Convenience vs. Stress 

When parking is confusing or overly complicated, it creates stress. As one resident pointed out, "I’m finding it increasingly harder to park in the town centre during the day." Another remarked on the need for more parent/child spaces, which highlights how specific needs aren't always met. By making parking options straightforward and user-friendly, we create a more positive experience, increasing the likelihood that people will return.

3. Inclusivity and Accessibility

For many residents, such as blue badge holders or those with mobility issues, access to the town centre depends on appropriate parking. One resident mentioned that "a 30-minute parking limit isn’t enough" for those with mobility issues or parents with young children. Providing more flexible parking options will allow everyone to enjoy the town centre equally.

4. Supporting Local Businesses

Affordable and convenient parking is crucial for encouraging visitors to shop local. Businesses can’t thrive if people aren’t coming into town, and high parking costs are one of the biggest deterrents. As one resident suggested, aligning Grimsby’s parking policy with Freeman Street Market's 2 hours free parking model could provide an “incentive to visit, shop, and stay.”

5. Environmental Impact

While parking is essential, a few residents also noted the potential benefits of encouraging alternatives. One local commented, "More people need to use public transport, you don’t always need to drive, then parking isn’t a problem." Promoting sustainable transportation options can help ease congestion and reduce our environmental footprint.

6. Long-Term Thinking 

A town centre expert raised a crucial point about local engagement: "One of the first questions we ask local stakeholders is where would you recommend to park in town for: a Saturday stroll, a quick shop, or for a blue badge holder?" If these questions can’t be answered easily, it signals a need for change. Listening to our community and collaborating with local authority parking managers will ensure the town centre remains accessible, functional, and welcoming.

Is It Time for a Parking Rethink?

Parking in Grimsby’s town centre clearly needs some rethinking. With varying needs across different types of visitors, from shoppers and workers to families and those with mobility challenges, it’s essential to evaluate whether the current system meets these demands.

Do we have the right balance of short-term, long-term, and accessible parking spaces? Is pricing reasonable? Are we fostering a parking experience that invites people in, rather than driving them away?

By addressing these concerns and implementing some of the practical suggestions from our community, we can make parking in Grimsby a smoother, more inclusive experience for everyone.

What are your thoughts on parking in Grimsby? 

Do you agree with the suggestions shared by the community? 

Let us know in the comments or on social media, and join the conversation to help shape the future of our town centre.

If you would like to meet with me to discuss how you can get involved with the 2025 Group, book a chat over a coffee here