New parking charge structure introduced today

[Hereford Voice]

A new car parking charge structure that has been introduced across the county today (17 May) will make it easier than ever for you to make an informed decision about where best to park your car. 

The new structure, which divides the price of parking into bands relative to proximity to the City or town centre, gives you the option to balance spending less on parking with a short walk, and ensures there are plenty of spaces available in the centre for short term users.

Parking is now free in all market towns on Sundays and after 6pm every day, while in Hereford parking is now free after 8pm every day.

Prices have been frozen at Merton Meadow in Hereford which is our largest car park out of the town centre, while prices at St Martins (swimming pool) have been reduced from £1.20 to £1.00 per hour. The off-peak hours season ticket, which allows parking in any car park between 5pm and 9am for £75 per year or £25 per quarter, has also been extended to all Market towns.

The new structure, along with details of charges at each location can be found on the Herefordshire Council website.

Cllr John Harrington, Cabinet member for infrastructure and transport, said: 

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“Parking charges have not been increased since 2016, and we appreciate that bringing in rises is always a hot topic but they are increases we need to introduce for a variety of reasons. Effectively managing the demand for parking spaces allows us to ensure the turnover of spaces to help with availability, reduce congestion and improve air quality. We want our historic city and town centres to be clean, vibrant and busy centres where people can meet, shop, eat and work.

“We want people who come to shop or use our hospitality venues to be able to park for longer at a better price just outside the City Centre - like the Swimming Baths - walking into town with time to dwell and spend well locally. Those that want to come right into the City centre, where spaces are much more in demand, will pay a little extra. Motorists with disabilities will still have spaces reserved and the right to park in any parking space in the City centre for free.

“We have listened to key stakeholders around the county and considered the revised parking structure very carefully to try and attain a balance that encourages more active travel without deterring visitors. We really want people who come to shop or enjoy local hospitality to consider staying for longer by parking in one of our car parks that are a short walk from the centre so they don’t have to rush their day or evening out.

“The new banding structure means that parking slightly further from the city or town centre saves a bit of money on the price of parking while increasing footfall which supports local businesses. It also keeps spaces available in the centre of town for those who only need a short stay.”

Funds generated from parking charges are used to maintain local car parks, and any surplus funds provide vital contributions to other important services for local people, including school transport and public transport.