Newport’s free parking scheme is at risk of being axed after just two years due to it being deemed no longer financially viable. A major campaign, led by local traders, has been started to protect it.
The programme, which until recently consisted of two hours free parking in any of the council run car parks, will be extended to five hours over the holiday period before being removed completely. The new tariff, starting on 1 February, will be one pound for a three-hour period.
The people most impacted by this decision will be Newport’s traders and many of them are speaking out against it, Tony Turner, a local butcher, said “They’ve done everything to virtually cut us off.” The council will soon be reviewing the decision.
All Newport’s many car parks may be looking this quiet if the council’s decision goes ahead.