On the 14 February, following conversations with constituents, Jonathan sent a letter to Councillor Jane Ashworth pushing for the introduction of an Annual Parking Permit for Tradespeople. Other local authorities in areas like Blackpool, Reading and Newcastle already having similar measures in place.
On the 11 March, in response to this letter, and on the same day as Jonathan first referenced the plan on social media, Council leader Jane Ashworth replied agreeing to the introduction of a six-month tradesmen's permit for the price of £200 which is valid 24 hours per-day – or the equivalent of a yearly permit for £400.
Jonathan also spearheaded a letter to the Minister for Local Government to push for this change which has been cosigned by Jo Gideon MP Stoke-on-Trent Central MP and Jack Brereton MP for Stoke-on-Trent South.
Such a permit would allow tradesmen to park outside customer’s houses on residential roads. Currently, tradespeople are often forced to park in expensive nearby carparks which may make them think twice before taking on a smaller job.
Jonathan sees this as a win for tradies across the Stoke-on-Trent. It will encourage tradesmen to take on smaller jobs, no longer deterred by a lack of parking and expensive costs. It will also raise revenue for the Council, encouraging those who currently take their chances with parking enforcement to pay up-front. It makes life easier for those who work hard which Jonathan says he hopes will “drive growth in the city’s small business sector.”
In his letter to Ashworth Jonathan raised the fact that Blackpool, Newcastle City and Reading Council’s all have a tradespersons permit of this kind.
Jonathan’s letter to Ashworth: 14/02/24: “I am writing regarding an issue multiple constituents have raised with me that there is currently no suitable parking permit for tradesmen who do multiple different jobs a day.”
“It would be great to hear your thoughts on a scheme like this and whether you would open to trying something similar in the future.”
Cllr Jane Ashworth’s response: 11/03/24: “I can now confirm that the parking services team will be introducing a six month permit initially which will be valid for every day of the week, 24 hours daily, as its acknowledged that works can be needed at weekends and in the evenings. The permit will be offered at a price of £200.”
Commenting, Jonathan said: “The current permit offerings were unfair on tradies in Stoke-on-Trent. I am glad Stoke-on-Trent Labour Council have decided to back my campaign and make life easier for those who work hard and play an essential role in driving growth in the city’s small business sector alongside protecting our heritage buildings.”
“I look forward to sharing this news with the tradies that first raised it with me.”
Commenting, Jo Gideon MP for Stoke-on-Trent Central said:
“We need to do all we can to support and boost local business, particularly for small businesses with multiple service calls spread across the community. The introduction of a yearly tradesperson’s parking permit is a practical and fair solution that will help stimulate our local economy. It has been successfully implemented in other areas of the country, and I fully support efforts to embrace a similar model that will suit and benefit our city.”