More than 500 residents have shared their views on how car-parking charges should operate in Erewash, with the results of a recent poll revealing strong support for changes to the current system.
The poll was launched following the reintroduction of parking charges in the new year, after council-run car parks were free to use during December. With parking once again a live issue for many residents and businesses, the poll set out to understand what people would prefer to see in the longer term.
The results
A total of 512 votes were cast, producing a decisive outcome:
- First hour free – 54.3% (278 votes)
- Free parking all the time – 17.38% (89 votes)
- Three hours free – 16.8% (86 votes)
- First 30 minutes free – 11.13% (57 votes)
- Maintain current parking charges – 0.39% (2 votes)
What the results tell us
The strongest message from the poll is clear support for short-stay free parking, with more than half of respondents backing a free first hour.
Taken together, nearly 88% of voters supported some form of free parking, whether for quick visits or longer stays. Very few respondents felt that the current charging arrangements should remain unchanged.
The results suggest residents are not necessarily calling for unlimited free parking, but for a balanced approach that makes short trips into town more accessible while still allowing for turnover of spaces.
Strong public reaction
The poll generated significant discussion on Facebook, with many residents sharing their experiences of parking in Ilkeston and other town centres across the borough.
Comments frequently referenced the impact of parking charges on local businesses, the cost of short visits, and the difference people felt during the free-parking period in December. Several residents said they were more likely to visit the town centre when parking was free or reduced.
Next steps
While the poll is informal, the volume of responses and consistency of views provide a clear snapshot of local opinion.
Thank you to all those who took part – we’ll pass our findings to Erewash Borough Council.