First stage to re-introduce Concessionary Permit for state pension aged District residents agreed

Stratford-on-Avon District Council's Cabinet has today, Monday 3 July, agreed to re-introduce a Concessionary Parking Permit for state pension aged District residents.

Cllr Lorraine Grocott, Environmental and Neighbourhood Services Portfolio says: "This was one of our main manifesto pledges and I am so pleased that we have been able to work with officers to look a bringing back this permit for residents.

"The re-introduction of the Concessionary Permit will allow cheaper parking for those residents of state pension age and encourage them to come into Stratford-upon-Avon, as well as providing more affordable access to open spaces and leisure facilities.

"This is stage one of the process, and the proposal will now be subject to statutory consultation, so I hope that as many people make their comments known so that we can look to bring this permit back into operation as soon as possible."

It is proposed that the Concessionary Permit will be re-introduced with the following terms and conditions:

• Available for those residents of state pension age only.
• Maximum stay of 4-hours a day (Monday to Sunday).
• Initial cost of £50 per annum (subject to inflation each year).
• Allows use of Bridgeway Multi-Storey and Bridgeway Surface Car Parks only. These two car parks are the closest to Stratford town centre (the former is home to Stratford Shopmobility), and both have an Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) system in operation which will make it much easier and cheaper to enforce.
• Non-transferrable between vehicles.
• Request Warwick District Council introduce a similar scheme.

The Concessionary Permit will now be included in a new Off-Street Parking Places Order 2023, and subject to a 21-day statutory consultation - www.stratford.gov.uk/parking-roads-transport/off-street-parking-places-order.cfm

One hour's free parking is still available at Bridgeway Multi-Storey and Bridgeway Surface Car Parks for all residents and visitors and disabled parking for Blue Badge holders remains free of charge in all District Council car parks.