Gloucester City Council is considering restricting new overnight parking charges to its multi-storey car parks, aiming to boost footfall while keeping other parking sites free at night. The proposed charges would apply primarily to multi-storey facilities like Eastgate and Kingswalk, which the council wants to improve and modernize.
City officials highlighted that the operational costs of council-owned car parks are rising faster than income, necessitating changes. One proposal under review is introducing a flat rate similar to the existing £2.10 charge from 6pm to 7am at Southgate Moorings, potentially extending this to other city centre locations.
Deputy Leader Declan Wilson emphasised the council’s plans to consolidate and modernize parking regulations, install electric vehicle charging points, and implement evening fees to make car parks safer and more welcoming. “There is increasing antisocial behaviour, and we need to plan for future regeneration and the transition to electric vehicles,” he stated.
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The council is also exploring residential parking permits aligned with those issued by the county council to better serve local communities.
Labour Councillor Tree Chambers-Dubus welcomed the idea of keeping multi-storey car parks open overnight and enhancing their appeal but suggested that overnight charges should be limited to these sites. She explained, “This approach allows locals to continue using ground-level car parks for free while providing a convenient, safer option for visitors unfamiliar with Gloucester who want to park near attractions like the Guildhall.”
Cllr Wilson expressed support for this recommendation, noting the importance of maintaining Gloucester’s reputation for affordable parking, especially when compared to privately-operated lots like those at Gloucester Quays.
Additionally, Councillor Liam Harris raised concerns about congestion near shops on Southgate Street and proposed a free grace period to ease short-term parking. Wilson responded positively, indicating the council would consider a 20-minute grace period to encourage brief visits without charge.
Looking ahead, the council aims to attract more visitors with the opening of the Forum and the regeneration of Kings Square, which will likely increase demand for accessible parking options on that side of the city.
Wilson concluded by acknowledging the council’s financial challenges: “Our income is currently not matching our costs, and we have to address this while planning for the city’s future.”