Plans to modernise parking facilities across the Moorlands have been approved by the District Council.
Key changes to be introduced include:
· The introduction of short free parking periods at some car parks to support quick trips into town
· Increasing the options for payment, including contactless digital payments such as Pay By Phone, in addition to coin only methods
· Reviewing the permits currently available to offer more flexibility for customers and creating a tourist pass
· Developing an electric vehicle strategy to look at suitable locations and types of chargers provided in the Moorlands alongside joint working with the County Council on a wider strategy to encourage greater use of electric vehicles
As part of the review, industry experts Parking Matters were appointed to carry out public consultation last year. Over 770 online responses were received from members of the public alongside views from interest groups, including councillors and tourism and business organisations.
Councillor Andrew Hart, Cabinet member for Property and Tourism, said: “Whilst any decision to raise parking charges is not one we take lightly it is the first time for four years that we’ve done so and we are introducing free parking periods at certain car parks at the same time.”
Charges will apply from 8am to 6pm Mondays to Saturdays in Biddulph and Leek. Sundays will remain free and, for the first time, at Wharf Road in Biddulph people will be able to park for free for an hour at any time.
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