Communities Secretary Eric Pickles has blamed the decline of Britain’s high streets on “draconian” anti-car measures, such as ““over-zealous” traffic wardens, and “street clutter” like bollards and road humps which prevent parking.

Mr Pickles said research from the Association of Town and City Management pointed to falling numbers of shoppers where there were more strict parking restrictions. He added that simpler rules would be implemented with guidance given to town councils this week on measures to boost walking and cycling without penalising car users.

He said: “Draconian town hall parking policies and street clutter can make driving into town centres unnecessarily stressful and actually create more congestion because of lack of places to park.

“Anti-car measures are driving motorists into the arms of internet retailers and out-of-town superstores.

“Trying to find somewhere to park is an obstacle course in too many of our towns, cities and seaside resorts.

“Confusing and difficult car parking practices are undermining the economic vitality of the high street and tourist destinations.

“Over-zealous parking wardens have inflicted real damage on local economies and given many towns and councils a bad name.
"Town halls need to ditch their anti-car dogma.”