Cut parking fees come into force in Trafford towns
Plans to slash charges in council-owned car parks and for on-street parking, to try to boost part of Greater Manchester, have come into force.
Trafford Council has introduced the new tariffs, originally planned for July, to try to reinvigorate towns including Altrincham and Sale.
Charges are 10p for one hour, 30p for two and 70p for three. The fee for parking all day has increased.
The move has been welcomed by local traders.
Nick Banks, chairman of Altrincham Traders and Residents' Forum, said it had been "extremely tough" for businesses in the town for the past three to four years.
The charges are "going to encourage people to hopefully shop in Altrincham and not necessarily drive for 45 minutes to, for instance, the Trafford Centre", he said.
Trafford Council's corporate director for environment, transport and operations, Peter Molyneux, said: "We recognise that we need to provide support to our town centres and reducing parking charges is a positive move to encourage people to make use of the wide range of facilities available.
"We looked at the option of making car parking free; however, some of our car parks are recognised as attracting all day parking and so by including a nominal fee this will hopefully prevent spaces being taken up by commuters."
The council has budgeted £500,000, over three years, for the scheme.