PARKING in the town centre’s car parks could be free for up to two hours if a proposal is given the green light by the town council.
Visitors using a town centre car park can currently claim back the cost of one-hour’s parking at participating retailers in the town.
The long-running scheme was relaunched by the by the town council earlier this year for a trial period of six months, which comes to an end in October.
Cllr Jon Hubbard has proposed a motion to the town council that the scheme be extended for another 12 months and that the scheme also be increased to cover the cost of two hours’ parking.
In his proposal, cllr Hubbard says, “The impact of Covid means that this period (the six-month trial) has not had adequate time to prove itself and I am proposing a further 12-month extension to the trial to help with the recovery period.
“Additionally, and following a detailed conversation with the economic development manager, I am proposing that we extend the scheme to cover the first two hours’ parking in the town.
“This will increase the cost of the scheme as there is currently a punitive charge of £1.20 for 2 hours parking as opposed to the £0.40 for one hour.
“However, it is likely that many people will be wanting to visit more than one establishment during their stay in the town and by offering the extra hour, this allows more time for the shopping and hopefully time to enjoy one of the various cafes and coffee shops that we have in the town.”
The proposal will be discussed at the extraordinary meeting of the full council at 7pm, on Wednesday 2nd September.
