Parking charges set to rise in Stratford

Buy photos » Charges are set to rise in Stratford town car parks. (s)

CAR parking charges are to rise in Stratford town centre.

Proposals to put up prices in six of the town's eight car parks were given the go-ahead by Stratford District Council Cabinet.

The hikes will see the cost of parking for two hours rise from £1.60 to £2, and for three hours from £2.70 to £3 - covering Bridgefoot, Church Street, Swans Nest, Leisure Centre, Recreation Ground and Unicorn Meadow.

Car parks in Arden Street and Windsor Street already have the higher level of charges.

While two of the six car parks affected offer the first hour free, in the other four the price will increase from 80p to £1.

The proposal does will see a cut in the cost of evening parking from £3 to £2, with the hours extended from 4pm to 8am.

Car parking in the town currently brings in £1.8 million a year in pay and display income and £200,000 in season tickets.

The proposals bring charges at all car parks into line, which it is hoped will help tackle congestion in the town, by encouraging drivers to use the first car park they come to.

Cutting evening charges is also aimed at reducing congestion caused by people parking on the streets in zones which are free after 6pm, while also boosting the evening economy.

The moves are also geared to encourage people to stay longer in town, and also encourage weekend stays.

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