How would you like to park in the city for free?

FRIDAY, JAN. 13: The idea of providing free parking in Hamilton is being mulled over by the city’s Mayor.

Charles Gosling told the Sun he was looking at the idea of allowing motorists to park for free for the first 10-15 minutes of their visit to encourage shoppers to pop into town.

He said the Corporation was involved in an ongoing programme to upgrade the city’s 20 intersections and this had prompted it to look at ways of improving the parking system.

Mr Gosling said: “When we finally complete the project we will have five per cent less parking spaces at street level.

“We have lost a couple of parking spaces outside the Post Office as a result of recent work and we have received some complaints about the loss of these spaces.

“The current parking fees system discourages people from just popping into town and buying one item.

“As a result I am looking at the idea of allowing drivers to park for free for their first 10-15 minutes outside the Post Office.

Expanded

“This is something that could be expanded into other areas of the city as well.

“It has not been put before the Corporation as yet. The idea is still very much in its early stages.”

Paula Clarke, head of the retail division of the Chamber of Commerce, said retailers would support the move.

She added: “It seems like a good idea.

“Having said that I don’t think there is a major shortage of parking in the city as there is often space at Bulls Head and Par-la-Ville.

“The flow of cars going through city hall is pretty good these days too.

“There are simply fewer people in Hamilton.”