The Forum of Private Business (FPB) is concerned that while the government is backing recommendations made by the Competition Commission to boost competition and protect small suppliers, parking
fees are causing consumers to shun town centres.

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Although the impact of the credit crunch on consumer spending has been cited as a major factor, in addition to soaring food and fuel prices, the FPB believes parking charges are causing shoppers to reject high street shops in favour of large, out-of-town retailers providing free, on-site parking.

FPB's policy representative Matt Goodman said: "Access is a major component in determining the future of our town centres.

"More taxes on motorists mean that high street shops are less able to compete for trade against the larger retailers.

"The damage caused by charges is done to the community as a whole, because more money is taken out of the pockets of both consumers and local businesses."

For more information visit www.fpb.org