Blackpool sees downturn in parking performance as staycation effect slows down

Factors including a loss of spaces at the resort’s main Central Car Park and a weaker staycation effect have been blamed for the downturn.

There was an eight per cent drop in car park usage between April and October this year compared to the same time last year, according to the council’s Parking Services annual report.

But overall income from the council’s 23 car parks increased by five per cent from £4m to £4.2m between April and October.

Income from on-street parking dropped by five per cent (down to £737,749 from £775,250), while patronage dropped by 12 per cent for the same time period.

A report to the council’s tourism, economy and communities scrutiny commitee says the decrease was expected as Blackpool had enjoyed a staycation boom in summer 2021 when foreign travel was still restricted.

Central Car Park has been reduced to around 380 spaces while a new seven-storey car park with 1,306 spaces is built as part of the Blackpool Central leisure development.

As a result its income slumped by around £500,000 between April and October to just under £1m, down from £1.5m during those main trading months last year.

Spaces have also been lost at Topping Street to enable new Civil Services offices to be built.

The report says: ” These are major capital projects that are key to Blackpool’s regeneration.

“As we moved into the summer, performance was also affected by the fuel and cost of living crises which have undoubtedly had a dampening effect on the tourism and hospitality industry not just here in Blackpool but across the whole of the UK.

“Whilst that has resulted in an overall downturn in car park usage, the actual income achieved to date has held up relatively well due to the tariff increases introduced in May.”

During events including the Air Show and four firework nights in October, Blackpool’s main car parks “were at full capacity.”

The council increased its parking charges in April this year with stays of up to four hours in car parks increasing by 50p, and on street charges up to £1.50 for an hour, from £1.20, and to £3 for 90 minutes, up from £2.50.