Free parking would let us all 'move with the times'
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ONE of Inverness’s leading business figures has swung his weight behind the Inverness Courier campaign to introduce free parking in the city centre.
Malcolm Fraser (50) is well known to many as just the latest member of his clan to work in the family butcher and fishmonger business, Duncan Fraser and Son.
A true city institution based on Queensgate, the shop first opened its doors in 1911 and has been trading almost continuously since, after a slight hiccup caused by founder Duncan’s time fighting for his country in World War I.
Malcolm first took to the shop floor in 1990 after working for the company’s game exporting interest.
Ever since then, he said, the changes around the shop have been extensive, with a noticeable impact.
"There is a definite downturn in footfall and that is something that has to be addressed," he said.
"It’s not that you expect everything to stay exactly the same but some of the changes have made it more difficult for small traders and the parking situation in the city is one of them.
"When you think back, I can remember when the site now occupied by M&S was an open car park which is now gone.
"And with the two-storey structure at Rose Street also marked for development you think that that could be gone soon as well.
"Anything that makes it more difficult for people to get into town is going to make it more difficult for businesses to survive."
He likes the idea of short term free parking as it would allow people to quickly pop into shops like his and reduce the likelihood of the big supermarket, out-of-town option being plumped for by consumers simply because it’s the the automatic easier choice.
"As it stands I think the parking wardens will give anyone parking over their time five minutes before they book them, which is really no time at all," Malcolm said.
"If the 15-minute option for free was there that is enough time for short messages – enough time to pop in and get what you need and then move on.
"As a good business you’re always trying to move with the times.
"I think the click and collect idea where people can order online and then just come in to pick their goods up is something more small businesses would look at as an option if that free parking was available for customers.
"We are up against it in terms of the out-of-town shopping centres and online shopping.
"I would support anything that makes things a bit fairer across the board.
"It’s definitely worth giving it a try."
The debate about the free 15 minutes parking has attracted a range of views on the Courier’s website.
Many suggest they like the idea but also think 20 minutes or even half an hour could be worth trying.
Ian Midgeley said: "The more you charge the more you drive people away or force them to park in stupid places.
"Free parking encourages people to use the shopping facilities, which is what is needed in the Highlands."
And Judith Reid said: "Why not take on Elgin’s example?
"They have free parking after 3pm up until the end of December.
"This would take back some shoppers into the town and a much-needed boost to local businesses."
You can join in the debate and let us know what you think by commenting on the Inverness Courier Facebook page, or you can email us at newsdesk@spp-group.com
