A regional daily has launched a campaign calling on a council to reverse its decision to scrap free parking in the city centre.

The South Wales Argus is calling on Newport City Council to keep free parking at its city centre car parks because of the impact this could have on traders.

The council launched an initiative two years ago so people could park for free for two hours in all its city centre car parks, which has helped to increase footfall.

But the authority has now decided to scrap the scheme in February saying it is no longer sustainable, prompting the Argus to launch a petition against this, which has already been signed by 1,200 people.The paper says the decision to end free parking was taken without consulting traders or shoppers and is calling for it to be reversed.

The council is also introducing a scheme where up to five hours of free parking will be provided during the Christmas period but the Argus says this was announced with no mention of the two-hour initiative being scrapped.

In a piece about the campaign, editor Kevin Ward said: “The decision to launch our Keep City Parking Free campaign today has not been taken lightly.

“I understand absolutely the financial pressures facing all parts of the public sector, including local councils.

“But Newport council’s decision to scrap free parking at its city centre car parks is just wrong-headed. Footfall has increased because of the two hours of free parking offered to shoppers.

“Some city centre businesses are dying on their feet. Everything that can be done to help Newport traders must be done.”

An online petition has been created, which is also printed in the paper, and will be available to sign at the title’s offices.

In an article to launch the campaign, the paper said: “Ending free parking for the first two hours could be the final straw for many struggling Newport retailers.

“We know all councils, including Newport, are facing tough times as public sector cuts begin to bite. But removing one of the few stimuli for increasing city centre trade is short-sighted and self-defeating.

“Of course providing free parking for any length of time costs public money. Of course the city council has to balance the needs of all the city’s residents and all the services it provides.

“But we are concerned this decision has been taken without consultation.”

Councillor Ken Critchley, cabinet member for infrastructure, said: “Free parking costs the council almost £1 million a year, which is no longer sustainable at a time when central budgets are facing significant cuts. We face a funding gap next year of £8 million.

“To continue to offer free parking would adversely impact on other services such as street cleaning, waste collection and road repairs.”