Parking plans changed after public feedback

Proposed parking charge increases across Wiltshire could come into force from September, although some of the original plans have been changed following public feedback.

Wiltshire Council is proposing an average 20% increase in parking charges from September, followed by a further five per cent increase in 2028.

However, several parts of the original proposals have been changed following a public consultation, which received 1,762 responses.

The council had originally proposed extending charging hours to 7am to 7pm across all car parks and proposed aligning Sunday charges with weekday tariffs.

Under the revised plans, charging hours would only be extended in short-stay car parks such as Church Street, with long-stay car parks, such as King Street and Union Street, retaining their current 8am to 6pm charging hours.

Sunday tariffs would be aligned with weekday tariffs in short-stay car parks only, while long-stay car parks would retain their day-rate charging structure. Sunday charging hours would remain from 10am rather than being extended to 7am.

The council is also no longer proposing to introduce Sunday on-street charges in Salisbury, Malmesbury or Marlborough High Street. The council is also proposing to keep the existing charging hours at The Maltings car park in Salisbury.

The revised plans have been criticised by Wiltshire Conservative Group, which claims some towns have been treated more favourably than others.

Cllr Nick Holder, Conservative spokesperson for highways, said, “These parking tariff increases represent another challenge for local businesses and residents already facing significant economic pressures. It is also unacceptable that residents and businesses in Malmesbury, Marlborough and Salisbury have been prioritised over other towns in Wiltshire.

“It seems to me that the Lib Dem administration is making decisions which support its political objectives in Malmesbury, Marlborough and Salisbury, and given the Lib Dems’ ‘fair’ mantra, it is more than slightly ironic that towns such as Calne, Chippenham, Melksham and Trowbridge are effectively subsidising more affluent areas.”

Cllr Martin Smith, cabinet member for highways, said, “We received a significant response to the consultation and we have listened carefully to what people, businesses and local councils told us.

“The final proposed package strikes a balance between supporting our town and city centres, managing parking effectively, and ensuring parking income continues to support important transport and highways services across Wiltshire.”

The council said that income from parking charges helps fund parking services and wider transport infrastructure, including support for the rural bus network.