British motorists are undercharged for parking

A suggestion by the government that councils should increase the cost of parking in town centres has been welcomed by the Environmental Transport Association (ETA), which points out that most British motorists are currently undercharged for parking their cars.

John Healey, the local government minister, has drawn criticism this week by suggesting that local councils should raise parking rates in their own car parks in order to reduce congestion.

Director at the Environmental Transport Association, Andrew Davis said: "Our own research revealed that in most cases parking is subsidised - the land used for the car parks would be worth more if it was used for something else such as office space. In other words, cars pay less than desks!2

"Local businesses often object to parking charges, but the car park that is constantly full because it is too cheap is not bringing custom to local shops."

The ETA believes that when they are part of a well-thought-through transport policy, parking charges can have a positive environmental benefit by encouraging people to walk and cycle more.