Town centre parking fees ‘could close down shops’

Hundreds of shops could be forced to close unless punitive parking restrictions in town centres are relaxed, according to a group representing independent grocers nationwide.

Shopping centres should also be required to charge their customers for parking, according to RGData, the representative association for 4,000 family-owned shops.

It is calling on the Government to save town centres from desertion by providing guidelines on car parking and smart travel.