App could help city business

Unless you’ve got fingers like sausages or a mistrust of technology, there are some positives to be taken in Sunderland City Council’s new parking initiative.

The ParkingPerx mobile phone app revealed today is being described as a ‘game changer’ for city centre parking.

Here’s hoping, because when it comes to city centre parking, there’s no shortage of complainers looking to reverse their gripes into the nearest available space.

There were those who complained when the city lost money on parking charges; those who complained when it made money, and no doubt they’ll be a few likely to complain about this new move.

On paper, though, it looks promising.

If you shop local you can earn points that can reduce your parking charges.

Hey, if you spend enough in your own city, you might get your parking for free!

Of course, in some shopping centres we could name, free parking is the norm.

It is, as ever, a question of balance.

While the devil will be in the detail, the idea at this stage looks promising.

We’re desperate to get people to shop in our city. This app appears to reward those who shop local with reduced parking charges. Everyone’s a winner, no? Well, if it doesn’t float your boat, let the council know.

They’ve set up an online survey to let you vent your spleen on this idea and city centre parking as a whole. Don’t waste it.

The city’s businesses need all the support they can get and any initiative that looks to drive people into the city must be given a chance.

As this is about parking, we’d ask you to do just that.

Park your prejudices and give it a fair hearing.