New plan to make long-term town parking cheaper

A plan has been proposed to make it cheaper for shoppers to park for longer in a town centre.

Swindon Borough Council plans to change the way it charges for parking by making it cheaper to stay parked for longer, in response to calls from businesses to encourage shoppers into the centre.

If approved, the proposal could save people more than £20 compared to current charges to park for eight hours.

Borough council leader Jim Robbins said: "The proposed changes are not designed to make the Council any extra money; this is all about supporting local businesses by making it cheaper for people to park in the town centre and Old Town for longer."

The council's cabinet will discuss the new parking prices on Friday, including a proposal to charge shoppers more for the first hour in both the town centre and Old Town, while reducing fees for longer stays

If approved, the changes would mean someone parking in the town centre would pay:

• £4, instead of the current £5.70 to park between three and four hours in a short-stay car park.

• £3.50, instead of £4.30, to park between two and three hours

• £7.50 - down from £28.70 - to park for eight hours.

The first hour of parking in the town centre would increase to £2.50, with parking fees in Old Town matching those in the centre.

The council may also introduce free on-street parking provision along Commercial Road to encourage a 'pop-in' culture among shoppers who may need to visit the town centre only briefly.

The council said this would support small independent businesses by providing quick access for shoppers and a boost to traders at quieter times of the day.

Councillor Chris Watts added: "These proposals are part of improvements we are making across our parking services to make it easier and more convenient for shoppers."

Watts also confirmed a new cashless payment system will be introduced involving contactless and chip-and-pin ticket machines or mobile apps.

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