Spring & Autumn Fair has launched a national campaign calling for at least 90 minutes of free parking in town and city centres across England, alongside a Parliamentary petition aimed at local authorities. The campaign follows its Voices of Retail research with Faire, which found that 38 per cent of the independent retailers believe free parking would have the biggest positive impact on their businesses, while 63 per cent of consumers say it would encourage them to visit town and city centres more frequently.

The findings point to a wider challenge for physical retail. Some 95 per cent of consumers said they would spend more if their local high street offered a better mix of shops, while 96 per cent want more independent retailers alongside cafés, bakeries and other experiences.

Parking positioned as retail policy

The campaign argues, parking should be treated as part of town-centre economic development rather than solely as a transport or revenue issue. Its petition calls for legislation requiring English local authorities to provide a minimum of 90 minutes’ free parking, alongside wider measures to increase visits and spending.

Jackson Szabo, Portfolio Director, Spring & Autumn Fair, says, retailers and consumers had independently reached the same conclusion on removing practical barriers to high-street visits.

Connecting brands with retailers

Spring & Autumn Fair is a major UK retail trade event bringing together retailers, brands, suppliers and industry professionals. Its portfolio spans fashion, gifts, home and lifestyle products, connecting brands with independent and larger retail businesses. The event’s Voices of Retail research tracks changing retailer and consumer priorities.