Car parking charges frozen again in 85% of spaces
Councillors have agreed to a series of measures designed to improve car parking and invest in Stroud town centre, while keeping charges down to a minimum.
Last week’s Full Council meeting approved a budget for 2024/25 which includes freezing car parking charges in 85% of spaces in the town centre for the second year running.
Extra improvements are on the way as well, after consultation with business and local government leaders in the town.
From 1st April, the “Free after 3pm” offer will be rolled back to “Free after 2pm” at the London Road car park and adjoining London Road multistorey car park in Brunel Mall following a proposal from Stroud District Chamber of Trade and Stroud Town Council.
And drivers will know how many spaces are available at the multistorey, when new digital signage will be installed. New secure cycle storage and bike parking spaces, including for cargo bikes, are planned to be introduced later in the year too.
At car parks across the district, electric vehicle charging points will be installed and two car parks in Stonehouse and Lower Stratford Park will be resurfaced.
The council owns and maintains 33 public car parks, and of the six in Stroud town centre, there will be modest price rises in the two most-heavily used. There will be no increase in charges at the London Road car park and adjoining London Road multistorey car park in Brunel Mall, Cheapside,and Parliament Street.
The increases will only be in Church Street and Rowcroft car parks, from April 1. Stays in Church Street car park will be £1.70, £2.50 and £4.70 for one, two and three hours respectively. Stays in Rowcroft car park will be £1.70, £2.50 and £3.70.
Charges are made between 8am and 5pm, Monday to Saturday, except at the two London Road car parks where “Free after 3pm” is currently offered, and will be pushed back by an hour to “Free after 2pm” from April 1.
Payment can be made by phone, text, smart phone app or online via MiPermit, as well as with cash at machines in the car parks. MiPermit allows anyone to pay for parking at any time, and for parking periods to be topped up remotely. Motorists can also be sent texts to remind them when a parking period ends, for a small fee.
“We understand the concerns of town centre traders, which is why we have listened very carefully to their proposals which help increase turnover of spaces,” said Stroud District Council Leader Catherine Braun.
“This isn’t just about parking in the traditional sense – shoppers arrive by a wide variety of means, so we’re bringing in decent cycle storage and parking spaces, including for cargo bikes.”
Council Deputy Leader Natalie Bennett added: “We’re investing in digital signage to help traders and drivers, and electric charging points for cars across the district in addition to an ongoing programme of resurfacing work.”
Full details of all charges can be viewed on the council website.
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ENDS
Background Information
Stroud District Council is led by a co-operative alliance of the Green, Independent Left, Community Independent and Liberal Democrat Groups.
For media inquiries contact
pressoffice@stroud.gov.uk