FSB calls for 'parking rethink'

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has today urged local councils to reconsider their parking, amid concern that shoppers are turning away from town centres.

Today's comments come just weeks before local elections are due to take place in England and Wales .

In a statement today the FSB claimed that local authorities generated £1.6 billion from parking offences in 2005 and argued that "draconian" rules were forcing businesses out and creating unemployment.

FSB local government Roger Culcheth said: "Spiralling town centre parking costs and huge fines must be done away with permanently. The local elections in England and Wales are a perfect opportunity for local authorities to show their commitment to the town centres they have so much influence over."

Mr Culcheth argues that although parking restrictions generate revenue, their long-term effect is damaging and counter-productive.

Earlier this month the FSB launched its Small Business Manifesto, containing a number of proposals aimed at local authorities.