Press and Journal readers have called for cheaper parking, better shops and action on vacant premises to revive struggling town and city centres.
A survey of 1,000 readers found 38% are visiting their local centre less often than a year ago, while 71% believe it is struggling or in decline.
Parking costs, poor roads and Aberdeen’s bus gates were among the reasons cited for falling footfall, while 94% said vacant units negatively affect the appearance of centres.
Businesses identified rising costs and reduced footfall among their biggest challenges, with strong support for The P&J’s Fresh Start campaign calling for a year of business rates relief for firms taking on empty premises.
Almost 80% of businesses backed the proposal, with more than a third saying it would have made a positive difference when they started out.
Click here to read the full results in today's Press & Journal.