Traders in call for free parking zones

But a business leader insists cutting parking fees - at least in selected locations - may help shops facing falling turnover.

Shopkeepers have spoken out against recent rises in parking charges, suggesting that cutting fees might bring back dwindling trade.

With the number of people using car parks around five per cent lower than last year, Warwick District Council faces an estimated shortfall of £206,000 from its car parks by April 2012.

Neighbourhood services manager Ian Coker disputed claims that cutting fees could make up the loss.

He said: “If we were to reduce charges by 10p across all the charges and if no more people came into the town than currently that would be a reduction of £155,000 in our income.

“We would need 110,000 more people - an eight per cent increase - to offset a 10p decrease in fees.”

Footfall in Leamington town centre is down by only two per cent. Mr Coker said higher petrol prices is one reason people aren’t driving.

He added: “Our opinion is that 10p isn’t going to make that much difference. People have less money in their pockets and they are not going to make more trips to the town centre.”

Instead he said parent and child dedicated spaces might encourage families and ‘pay on foot’ car parks meant people would be more relaxed about staying.

Brian Wall of Leamington Chamber of Trade’s supports these measures, but called for free parking zones at locations such as Hamilton Terrace.

He said the prospect of paying to park - and risking a £70 for staying too long - put many off.

He said: “Any retail business knows there’s no way you can keep cranking up your prices without turning off your customers.

“If they don’t take action the situation will get far worse.”