One hour parking set to be reintroduced to Powys car parks
Powys County Council is proposing re-introducing the one-hour parking after controversial changes made last year.
The recommendations have been made following the council's car park review which was the subject of criticism for damaging trade on the county's high streets.
The review saw a series of meetings, focus groups, discussions, data analysis and benchmarking exercises and has led to 'revised recommendations for the county's car parking arrangements'.
The review has recommended that the council 'reintroduce the one-hour parking tariff to all long stay car parks in accordance with the Local Authorities' Traffic Orders (procedure) (England and Wales) Regulations 1996'.
The new tariffs for up to one hour of parking would be £1.50, one to two hours parking would remain £2.50, two to four hours parking would be £3.50 and all-day parking would be £5.
The review has also recommended the Powys County Council 'introduce a new single car park permit to be used at one specified car park only' at a cost of £280 annually, £155 for 6 months, £90 for three months and £30 for one month.
'We appreciate that car parking arrangements in the county is a very emotive subject for our residents and businesses,' said Cllr Jackie Charlton, Cabinet Member for a Greener Powys.
'It was really important that we took the time to consider all options and take on board the feedback from the review group, the scrutiny committee, our residents, businesses and visitors.
'There is still more work to do with regards to the long-term plans for parking arrangements in the county but, for now, we believe that these recommendations will be acceptable to our communities, as well as being a feasible, sustainable and affordable option for the council to deliver within our tight budget constraints.'
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The car parking review process has been conducted by a politically balanced cross-party group of local councillors, included representatives from town councils and local businesses where car parks are sited, and was led by an independent, impartial consultant.
As well as car parking tariffs, the car parking review considered how best to manage all the 'council's car parks, town centre footfall, the impacts and benefits of local active travel schemes, available resources, the needs of the local communities and the council's Sustainable Transport Hierarchy'.
Powys County Council have said 'work will continue over time to address all these aspects with a vision to create sustainable car parks fit for the future of Powys'
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