Reduced parking costs for Stratford

Cllr Alan Cockburn, Warwickshire County Council's Portfolio Holder for Environment and Economy, has revealed that on-street parking charges in Stratford-upon-Avon will be cheaper.

After listening to the preferences of residents and traders, Cllr Cockburn has tasked officers with drafting proposals for 30 minutes on-street parking for 50p - a reduction from the current 70p charge. The cost of one hour parking is set to be cut from £1.40 to £1.

Cllr Cockburn said: "We have seen the results of two recent surveys and heard what the people of Stratford want in regards to parking. We are a listening council and our new policy will reflect what is needed in the town.

"In the past we have attempted a number of different solutions to on-street parking in Stratford and are confident the new charges will strike the right balance and help revitalise the town centre."

The proposals will be formally considered by Cllr Cockburn at the portfolio holder's decision-making meeting on December 17. The report will also consider charges in other Warwickshire districts.

If rubber-stamped at the December meeting, the new charges will come into effect from 1 April 2011.

In addition to on-street parking, Warwickshire County Council also operates the increasingly popular Stratford Park & Ride. Last year the total number of passenger journeys at the Bishopton scheme increased by 11.6 per cent to almost 127,000.