Walsall Asda set to scrap car park charges

Asda in the town centre wants to remove pay and display machines from its multi-storey car park.

The company currently runs a refund policy for people who shop at the George Street store but is now planning to completely axe charges.

Walsall Council has already reduced its prices amid claims other operators were offering cheaper spaces, prompting shoppers to snub its bays.

A formal application to change Asda's parking has been put forward to change its conditions.

The proposal, put forward by Gary Cardin of agents Deloitte, says: "The free car parking would encourage additional visitors to Walsall, with linked trips between Asda and the town centre, therefore improving the vitality and economy of the centre.

"In order to manage and operate the free car parking, parking attendants with hand held devices will be employed to monitor parking to ensure that the stay of vehicles is for no more than four hours.

"Those who overstay this time period will be issued with a car parking charge notice, therefore discouraging long stay/commuter parking."

The location of car park spaces in Walsall town centre is poised to be improved following a review.

Some providers have already lowered their prices in recent months. The Saddlers Centre slashed its prices last year, including the £6.50 all day fee replaced with a £3.50 price. Free Sundays spaces are also offered.

NCP had previously dropped its fees to £3 a day and no charge on a Sunday.

Walsall Council has been carrying out a review of its car parking areas which could see new spaces created and others replaced.

Figures released last year showed the number of drivers parking in council-run car parks had almost doubled since reduced charges were introduced.

The authority said last summer there had been a 92 per cent increase in drivers parking all day in its car parks.