A PROPOSAL to scrap £10 parking permits for drivers aged over 65 in the district is being reviewed.
There are around 2,500 permits currently in use and Stratford District Council hoped the move would discourage private car usage – keeping in line with its commitment to tackle climate change. Pensioners would still have the option of a free bus pass to help them get around.
It formed part of a wider review of car parking tariffs and permits for the first time in seven years.
But at a cabinet meeting, it was decided the matter be reviewed after it received a number of complaints from residents.
District spokesman Coun Ian Shenton said: “The amended proposals before the cabinet reflect the views, opinions and representations that have been received. So taking on board and listening to the comments, at this stage we will now not be considering the withdrawal of the concessionary parking permits for the over 65s.
“The permits will now be reviewed as part of the overall process.”
Increases to car park tariffs across the seven council-owned car parks were approved to ease ‘significant financial pressures’.
It will mean under one hour’s paking will increase from £1 to £1.20 (Bridgeway car park will still provide one hour’s free parking), an increase from £2 to £2.40 for 1-2 hours, £3 to £3.50 for over 2-3 hours, £4. to £5 for over 3-4 hours, and £6 to £8 for over 4-9 hours.
