England’s city councils should stop planning speed bumps and bollards and focus on making Britain’s town centres suitable for cars once again, Eric Pickles believes. The Communities Secretary claims that anti-car tactics are killing the British high street.
The Communities Secretary believes that Britain’s high streets are in a serious state of decline – a view that’s shared by many in the retail world. Unlike others, who put the blame on online retailers and taxes, Mr Pickles has blamed anti-car policies.
Mr Pickles claims that England’s city councils have introduced policies that make it frustrating and difficult for car owners to access city centres. He believes that many city centres could benefit from more parking, simpler rules, and more cars.
The rhetoric might seem somewhat unusual, especially after congestion charges are proving effective in cities such as London. However, Mr Pickles’ opinion is one that’s shared by many retailers in small towns and mid-sized cities across Britain.
Many British high streets are struggling to attract tenants as customers leave inner city shopping areas and head to out-of-town retail centres. Many shoppers are also using online retailers that offer lower prices and quick and affordable shipping.
Mr Pickles cited research from the Association of Town and City Management that links widely available parking and high street foot traffic. He believes that if small towns and cities increase parking, consumers will come back to the high street.
Other issues facing motorists have been blamed for a decline in foot traffic on many of Britain’s formerly popular high streets. Bollards and speed bumps have annoyed drivers across the country and make it ‘unnecessarily stressful’ to drive in the city.
Mr Pickles claims that the laws have become over-zealous, and that extensive laws aimed at reducing vehicle traffic have stifled many local economies. Guidance from the Communities Secretary will encourage councils to scale back on planning that limits options for car owners.
