The local authority previously said it was still on track for the launch date of the ‘spring’ this year, with the official date being confirmed soon
As well as an end to free parking, motorists face a price hike at some Bishop’s Stortford and Hertford car parks (File picture)(Image: Simon Greener/Reach plc)
South Gloucestershire motorists are bracing for the introduction of parking charges across 22 council-owned car parks in the coming weeks. The local authority confirmed last year that these charges would be implemented by spring 2025, and it remains on track to meet this timeline. The exact date will be announced soon, with charges going live a few weeks later. Bristol Live readers think the charges will negatively impact the high street.
The new charges will apply from 8am to 6pm, Monday to Saturday, with parking remaining free on Sundays and Bank Holidays, excluding Park and Ride and train station car parks. The council has assured that at least 10% of spaces in short-stay car parks will remain free for 30-minute stays.
Motorists will be charged 70p for the first hour in short-stay car parks, £1.30 for up to two hours, £3 for up to three hours, and £5 for up to four hours. Long-stay car parks and spaces will charge £3 for the first four hours, £4 for four-to-six hours, and £5 for stays longer than six hours. Weekly season tickets will be available for £20, monthly tickets for £75, and annual tickets for £840.
A six-monthly ticket option will also be available at a cost of £435. The scheme will operate on a cashless basis, but the authority has assured that contactless pay machines and other convenient payment methods will be in place to ensure ease of use for all drivers, regardless of whether they own a smartphone or not.
Commenter Ezergood asks: “Surely, motorists don’t expect something for nothing. Do they?!”
Evening replies: “Motorists pay council tax, road tax, tax on fuel, tax on repairs, tax on insurance. Name one instance where motorists pay nothing!”
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AdvisoryService101 adds: “Gosh the outcry from select motorists having to pay for a service they use on a pay as you go basis. What will they demand next? Free coffee and cake?”
Jubblyone4 replies: “When businesses close down and shops lie empty, it will cost the tax payer more due to lack of income from business rates.. Don’t let your anti-car bias cloud your judgement.”
Evening says: “South Gloucestershire Council waste millions on unneeded roadworks, unused cycle tracks, inefficiency and the motorists pick up the bill as normal.”
Ron Young states: “The council does not have a statutory duty to provide free storage for private property.”
Knight2000 points out: “And they wonder why nobody visits and the shops are becoming more and more deserted by the minute. Shame, it used to be a great city.”
Hayden06 thinks: “This council hates drivers and is doing everything in their power to become car free. If the public transport was better, we wouldn’t need to drive!”
Alex J Mills replies: “It’s not just Bristol, it’s happening all over. Remove parking, make it more expensive to park and charges differ depending on vehicle emissions. A real war on motorists. 15 minute cities coming quicker and quicker. The powers that be don’t want us owning cars.”
Evening agrees: “The rest of the country has high streets that are dying, a great model to follow!”
Sparky7 adds: “Well done South Glos council. The retail parks must be rubbing their hands with glee at these proposals. You are definitely not supporting the local high streets!”
How do you feel about increased car parking charges? Are you happy to pay? Have your say in our comments section.
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