Council leader rules out on-street parking charges

Plans to introduce on-street parking charges in market towns across Herefordshire have been ruled out by the council leader.

In response to upcoming cuts in government funding, proposals for a free 30-minute "pop and shop" period at public car parks and an 8-10% rise in parking rates thereafter were put forward this month.

However, at a recent meeting to review Herefordshire Council's budget plans, leader councillor Jonathan Lester told councillors about the plans: "No is the answer. No, no, no."

Ten city centre streets in Hereford operate pay-and-display parking, with a maximum stay of two hours, but this has not previously been expanded to elsewhere in the county.

Councillor Liz Harvey, who leads the Independents for Herefordshire group, had argued the 30 free minutes, "maybe has a greater impact in market towns where there's a shorter distance to walk, but is not hugely helpful in the city".

The council's cabinet member for roads, councilor Barry Durkin, said automatic number plate recognition at car parks was "on the cards, but we're looking at the cost as we go forward".

"I know that ultimately it will save money, but it's the implementation of these costs that are going to cause problems," he added.

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations.

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