Stratford-on-Avon District Council's Cabinet makes changes to car park charge proposals

Stratford-on-Avon District Council's Cabinet has today, Monday 3 July, agreed to make changes to the Off-Street Parking Places Order (OSPPO) following the completion of the statutory consultation.

Following the consultation, 12 comments were received regarding the introduction of charges at Fisherman's Car Park and these comments have been taken into consideration.

The car park remains free between 6am and 9am all-year round and from 6pm to 7pm in the winter and from 6pm to 9pm in the summer. Charges will only apply from 9am to 6pm, seven days a week with the introduction of a resident's permit at a cost of £150 for a year or £50 per quarter, equating to just under £3 a week.

Cllr Lorraine Grocott, Environmental and Neighbourhood Services Portfolio says: "As the new administration for the District Council, the Cabinet wanted to review the parking changes being proposed and look again with fresh eyes.  These proposals are baked into the budget and to change them means refinancing other services and priorities which is a difficult challenge.

"We received one response from Shipston-on-Stour Town Council on the proposed inflation-related increases concerning the car park at Telegraph Street and have listened to the concerns raised.  Following the second round of consultation and taking on board the comments received, changes to the proposals at Fisherman's Car Park have also been made. Charges will only be between 9am and 6pm, still making the facilities available for the benefit of dog walkers, runners and for those who wish to enjoy the river.

"In response to the comments, I'm also pleased that we have been able to offer an annual permit for Fisherman's Car Park for the benefit of local residents at less than £3 a week."

The charges at Fisherman's Car Park and the inflationary increases at the other car parks will now be implemented from 1 August 2023.

Two solar powered, card only pay and display machines will be installed at Fisherman's Car Park by 1 August 2023. There will also be the option to pay via the RingGo pay by phone scheme.

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

• The new statutory 21-day Off-Street Parking Places Order (OSPPO) consultation took place from 1 June to 22 June 2023.
  
  
• One comment was received regarding the proposed inflationary increases to the existing tariffs at Telegraph Street from Shipston-on-Stour Town Council.
  Proposed increase will now be:
  • 1 hour from 20p to 30p
  • 2 hours from 40p to 50p
    
    
• On 11 January 2021, The Cabinet resolved that the following proposed changes to car park tariffs and parking permits be agreed:
  • abolish the Concessionary (Over 65s) Permit
  • introduce charging in Fisherman's Car Park in Stratford-upon-Avon
  • increase the hourly tariffs at Stratford Leisure Centre for coaches, lorries and motorhomes
  • increase overnight charges at Stratford Leisure Centre for cars (from £2 to £3) and coaches, lorries and motorhomes (from £2 to £20)
  • apply inflationary increases at the other car parks
  • The proposed charges for Fisherman's Car Park and the inflationary increases at the other car parks were delayed until 1 August 2023.