BUSINESS leaders are campaigning to overhaul a deeply unpopular parking regime they claim is driving shoppers away from Northallerton.

Traders blame parking problems for a worrying decline in town-centre footfall and a significant increase in empty shops.

They claim Northallerton is seriously disadvantaged against neighbouring market towns where charges are more relaxed and are calling on North Yorkshire County Council to extend free parking on the High Street.

“These are worrying times for shop and business owners who believe the economic prosperity of Northallerton is at risk,” said Julia Robinson, manager of Northallerton Business Improvement District (BID), which this week published a hard-hitting report on the town’s parking problems.

“An overwhelming majority of just under 100 businesses surveyed tell us there has been a negative or very negative effect on trade since charges were introduced on the High Street in 2014.

“They’re angry because it’s not a level playing field. Thirsk, Stokesley, Bedale and Yarm all have one-hour free parking, yet in Northallerton it’s just 30 minutes.

“Customers feel rushed and spend much less time in the shops. Many of them are giving up altogether and turning to out-of-town retail parks where there is plenty of free parking.

“The long-term consequences are really worrying and we must act now to make it easier for shoppers to park in Northallerton.

“We’ve all seen the devastating effects on Darlington from the closure of major stores, and we don’t want to see a similar collapse in retail trade here.

“An hour’s free parking on the High Street would make all the difference – and we are calling on North Yorkshire County Council to grab the initiative on this before it’s too late.”

The BID report claims the council has failed to show its original objectives for introducing High Street charges - to improve traffic flow, ease congestion, reduce pollution and minimise potential road safety hazards - have been met.

“We have big new housing developments going up to the north of Northallerton and parking problems are only going to get worse,” said Ms Robinson.

“This is about safeguarding Northallerton’s reputation as an attractive market town full of wonderful independent shops.

"We believe this unfair parking regime is putting businesses and jobs at risk."