Forest of Dean District Council has reported positive outcomes following the introduction of free parking for the first hour in its car parks across Gloucestershire towns. Since abolishing the initial hour charge last year, the council complemented this change with increased fees for stays beyond one hour, and the scheme has been deemed a success.
At the recent cabinet meeting held on May 15, councillors voted to extend this parking regime to include Pyart Court car park in Coleford. Previously, Pyart Court applied a 20p charge for one hour and 40p for two hours, with charges applying 24/7. Blue badge holders were subject to standard rates at this site.
Under the council’s unified system, most car parks operate charging from 8am to 6pm, six days a week, with free parking on Sundays. Blue badge holders can park free of charge, and all users benefit from the first hour being free. Subsequent fees range from £1 for two hours, rising incrementally to £4 for stays exceeding four hours.
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Councillor Sid Phelps, Projects and Property Cabinet Member, explained that the council’s purchase of Pyart Court business units necessitated harmonizing parking policies. The proposal to integrate Pyart Court’s car park into the district’s offstreet parking order eliminates charges for blue badge holders there, aligning it with other council-managed car parks.
The cabinet approved a budget of approximately £5,850 for necessary signage and equipment and delegated officers to review public feedback before finalizing the variation order.
Climate Emergency Cabinet Member Chris McFarling highlighted the scheme’s success in balancing income with expenditure, stating that the parking facilities are no longer a financial burden on taxpayers. He expressed support for bringing Pyart Court under the same parking regime, emphasizing the positive impact of the new charging structure.