Local traders in Brierley Hill are celebrating a boost in business following the return of free parking across council-run car parks in the borough.
The decision by Dudley Council to reinstate up to two hours of free parking is aimed at supporting high streets, encouraging visitors back into town centres and helping local businesses thrive.
Early signs suggest the policy is already having a positive effect in Brierley Hill, with traders reporting an increase in footfall and sales.
Steve Bridgwater, Market Supervisor and stallholder at Brierley Hill Market, said the change had made an immediate difference.
He said:“We’ve had a brilliant weekend trading, it’s been the best Easter trade we’ve seen at the market for a good while.
“We know that council finances are tight and, like businesses, the books have to balance, so we’re grateful to our ward councillors Adam and Wayne for helping make the case for the two hours free to be brought back.”
Ward councillors for Brierley Hill and Wordsley South, Adam Davies and Wayne Little, had been raising the issue alongside other colleagues and making the case for a return of two-hour free parking since it was withdrawn in 2024 due to significant council budget pressures at the time.
Cllr Davies said: “This is exactly the kind of support we think the council should be offering our towns, so we’re really pleased that work to improve the council’s finances has allowed two hours free parking to be reintroduced.
“It’s great to already see the positive impact it’s having in Brierley Hill, and we’d encourage everyone to make the most of it and support our great local businesses.”
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