Stratford-on-Avon District Council's Cabinet agree changes to Parking

Stratford-on-Avon District Council's Cabinet has today, Monday 11 January, agreed changes to the car park tariffs and parking permits to help with the financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic that it is facing.

Cllr Ian Shenton, Operations Portfolio says: "No one likes to pay more for any service and this is not a decision that we've taken lightly, having deferred it from last year.

"The changes to car parking charges would still be competitive with other car parks in Stratford town centre.

"We know the end of the concessionary (over 65s) permit will not be popular.  However we have carried out a benchmarking exercise on concessionary parking permits. Out of fifteen local authorities in the Midlands and South West region, only two offer such permits - Wychavon District Council at £100 a year and Wyre Forest District Council at £175 a year. Our residents have enjoyed the offer of £10 parking for a number of years, but we just can't afford that in the current climate."

The proposals agreed include:

• Abolish the Concessionary (Over 65s) Permit
• Convert all Stratford Town Centre car parks to card only with a pay by phone option as well
• 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)
• Introduce two hours maximum stay at The Greig Leisure Centre and Shipston Leisure Centre to eliminate the misuse of the car parks by non-leisure centre users
• Reduce the maximum stay for permit holders at Stratford Leisure Centre from four hours to three hours and no longer offer evening permits and season tickets due to insufficient take up.

The changes will now be subject to a six-week consultation and come into effect during the 2021/22 financial year.