As a city centre business owner, I witness daily the steady decline of businesses around us, and it's truly heartbreaking. Local residents frequently express their frustration about the cost of parking, which seems to be a major deterrent against shopping in the City Centre, choosing instead retail parks and supermarkets where parking is free. We are not just talking about visitors or holidaymakers who are willing to pay for parking; our concern is for the people living within our community—the ones we depend on, who genuinely want to support local businesses but find themselves financially constrained due to parking costs.

Currently, Perth & Kinross Council's street parking charges are inadvertently tipping the scales in favour of large retail parks and supermarkets, which offer free parking. This scenario inadvertently siphons foot traffic away from local businesses and drains the vitality out of our city centre.

We believe that introducing 2 hours of free parking throughout Perth City Centre would create a level playing field, enabling local businesses to compete fairly against their larger counterparts. This adjustment wouldn't merely benefit business owners; it would bolster the entire community, driving footfall back to the heart of the city where it belongs.

Moreover, a policy of free parking for two hours would still maintain an income stream for the Enforcement & Parking Services Team. By allowing free parking for a limited period, we can strategically increase visits to the city centre without significantly compromising council revenue.

We call on Perth & Kinross Council to take this crucial step forward and support our local economy. By signing this petition, you are standing up for the growth and sustainability of local businesses and helping to ensure the economic vitality of Perth's city centre.

Please join us in asking the Council to support this vital change. Sign now to help reshape our community's future.