Call for more free Falkirk parking

A local MP wants parking restrictions in Falkirk to be lifted after 3pm - in order to save local businesses.

The "Free After 3" campaign has been raised in Parliament.

The scheme was scrapped in 2022 by Falkirk Council, after budget cuts.

The issue has been raised in Parliament - and business groups are demanding action.

Falkirk MP Euan Stainbank says it's vital for the town centre:

“We’ve lost bus routes, we’ve lost rail accessibility, and now we’ve lost the last remaining bit of support for people coming into town to shop, eat and socialise. Our small businesses are being left behind while big retailers with free parking thrive.

“The Small Business Strategy is a real opportunity to level the playing field—to back local traders, encourage footfall, and help revitalise our town centres. That must include a plan for parking.”

A Falkirk Council spokesperson says:

"Falkirk Council’s ‘Free after 3’ parking scheme was removed in early 2022 as part of necessary budget savings. A later proposal in December 2022 to reintroduce the scheme was rejected by councillors, who agreed to invest in active travel improvements for the town centre. Parking surveys have shown no decrease in car park usage since the initiative ended, and the decision has raised around £120,000, contributing to the Council’s financial sustainability."

"We are committed to Falkirk Town Centre’s success, by delivering a new £70m Town Hall, including a theatre and library, expected to attract thousands of visitors and residents to a new cultural quarter. Nearly £1m has been invested in improvements to Newmarket Street, and we continue to partner with Falkirk Delivers to support local businesses and manage the town centre effectively. Since 2019, we've invested an additional £1m in town centre support, including grants, maintenance, and safety initiatives."

"Following feedback from businesses, we're investing £100k in improvements across the town centre, such as heritage refurbishment, painting, cleaning, and better lighting to make the area more welcoming and accessible. Our Active Travel Strategy continues to prioritise walking, wheeling, and cycling with significant annual investment, including £985k in infrastructure and £720k to subsidise town centre bus services, supporting Falkirk’s transition to a greener economy."