INCREASES in charges to car parks owned by Malvern Hills District Council have been thrown out as part of a series of measures to support the area’s economy.
A number of councillors and officers have been reviewing the way car parking operates across the district to ensure it meets the priorities set out in its new car parking strategy.
These include improving the availability of safe and good quality car parking as well as improving traffic flow, supporting towns and business and ensuring a fair return to tax payers.
The group found there was no case for increasing car parking charges at the current time meaning visitors to and residents living in the Malvern Hills will continue to pay the lowest prices in Worcestershire.
A series of recommended changes have been made which will now be put out to a 12-week public consultation following approval by the district council’s executive committee last Tuesday.
Such chances include making the Council House car park on Avenue Road a 24-hour pay and display, which would increase the number of spaces available in town centre area.
It also proposed the £1.50 evening charges should begin two hours earlier, starting at 4pm and running until 8am the next morning rather than the current 6pm-midnight.
New Street Car Park in Upton-upon-Severn is in line to become a short stay car park while the one hour charge in all long stay car parks will be removed.
Public parking will no longer be allowed at Brunel House and charges may be introduced at Malvern Vale Community Centre to stop unauthorised use.
The group has also recommended lobbying Worcestershire County Council for improvements to disabled and coach parking and on-street parking regulations in Great Malvern to make them easier to understand.
If approved, it is hoped the changes will help generate an extra £70,000 a year for the council to support efforts to fill a £1.45million gap in its budget by 2021/2022 as a result of government funding cuts.
The findings of the public consultation will be reported back to the executive committee at a later date for a final decision.
Coun Bronwen Behan, portfolio holder for environment on Malvern Hills District Council, said: “I’m delighted we are able to keep parking charges on hold.
“At the same time we are putting forward a series of measures that will provide further support to our towns and businesses, while allowing us to protect front line council services.
“I’d urge people to get involved in the consultation and let us know their views.”
The consultation runs until 5pm on Monday, September 11.
People can have their say by visiting www.malvernhills.gov.uk/en/public-notices-consultations and following the instructions.
Comments can also be emailed to [email protected] with ‘Parking Order’ in the subject heading.
