Give council your views on parking provision and whether unpopular car parks should be sold off

People are being asked to give their views on parking in Tameside.

The Council announced last month it was undertaking a new parking review, and it has now launched a public consultation to gather feedback from residents and businesses.

The council wants to ensure any new offer 'learns from what works well in other areas, supports residents and businesses and helps to drive growth and increased visitors – supporting wider, ongoing work to revitalise town centres'.

The consultation will run for six weeks until Wednesday, March 12.

You can give feedback via the consultation at www.tameside.gov.uk/parkingreview or by emailing parkingreview2025@tameside.gov.uk. You can also ask for a paper copy of the consultation at any Tameside Library and return it to a library so your feedback can be included.

Over recent years, the council has implemented several changes to both off-street (pay and display car parks) and on-street (time limited marked bays) parking. The most recent being in the summer of 2023. A key element of that review was to bring in cashless payment in all car parks, which was completed in December 2024.

While parking income has increased since the last review, it hasn’t been to the level that might have been expected.

And an increase in complaints regarding parking since the last review reflects some public dissatisfaction with the current tariffs. With local town centre redevelopment plans moving forward at pace, leaders want to develop a new and sustainable offer that is fit for purpose for supporting residents and the local economy.

The review is also looking at underused car parks – particular in Ashton, Hyde and Droylsden – and considering whether it would be better to sell this land to help further regenerate these areas and create potential income.

Tameside Council executive member for Towns, Transport and Connectivity Cllr Stephen Homer said: “What’s most important to us is to listen to what people need to support them. I want us to be able to provide a sustainable parking offer that really benefits our residents and town centres and businesses and we’re open to people’s ideas and views.

“While there is no statutory requirement for councils to provide a parking service,  we know it is a very important service - not least for our residents to be able to access services and to support our town centre businesses with footfall. There are also important links to wider transport connectivity, the environment and housing for town centre living. 

“Please do get involved in the consultation so we can gather a full understanding of everyone’s views and needs. We’ve already consulted with businesses and some key stakeholders and I’m looking forward to widening the conversation and hearing what everyone else has to say.”