New figures show footfall in Darlington town centre has decreased significantly since a free parking scheme was scrapped.

The number of people visiting the town has decreased every month - except November - when comparing figures between 2022/23 and 2023/24. 

A ‘Free After 2pm’ parking scheme was discontinued in July 2023 after the Labour-Lib Dem council said it was unsustainable. 

Data from Darlington Borough Council shows the number of visitors in December dropped by 212,906 compared to the previous year.

Conservative critics say the decision has impacted town centre trade and led to business closures, but Labour continues to defend the move, saying people are staying in the town centre for longer - despite concerns locals are going elsewhere.

Councillor Jonathan Dulston said: “If you remove free car parking people will stop coming into town and it will be our small businesses that suffer the most.

“Since the Labour council scrapped this offer, we have seen businesses close, footfall decline, and a council with absolutely no plan to save our town centre.

“My message is clear - wake up Labour, listen and accept you got this one wrong. Bring back free car parking and give our small businesses a fighting chance.”

A ‘Free After 2pm’ parking scheme was discontinued in July 2023 after the Labour-Lib Dem council said it was unsustainable. A ‘Free After 2pm’ parking scheme was discontinued in July 2023 after the Labour-Lib Dem council said it was unsustainable. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Town centre shoppers who recently spoke to the D&S Times said all-day parking charges had stopped them from visiting as frequently. 

Jean Bowman said: “If you are to go into town for shopping, you have to pay for parking before you go shop and it’s impossible to know how long you will be there for. That means you’re either rushing your shopping to get back in time or having to pay for extra time you don’t use. 

“Retail parks are just so much easier everything’s in one place with decent shops and you get free parking there too. I don’t use car parks anymore but if I were to drive anywhere, I’d just drive there.”

However, Council Leader Stephen Harker accused Cllr Dulston of talking down Darlington. 

He said: “Cllr Dulston is simply wrong - and the data shows he is wrong. His false claims will only damage our town centre. 

“Footfall data is only part of the picture - importantly, it doesn't tell us how long people stay in the town centre each time they visit.”

The council’s parking income increased every month after charges were reintroduced, and while the number of tickets has decreased, the council says the average amount spent per parking ticket has increased. 

Cllr Harker said: “They are coming less frequently, but staying longer for each visit, and crucially, overall people have spent more time in the town centre. 

“Our town centre businesses do a fantastic job attracting shoppers into the town centre. We've had a very vibrant summer, with a very popular events programme. We should be celebrating that.”