To ensure fair and controlled use of the Civic Centre car parks, South Ribble Borough Council will be introducing new parking charges and restrictions starting Wednesday 24 September 2025.
From 24 September, the car park to the rear of the Civic Centre on West Paddock will become a pay and display car park, and the car park to the front of the Civic Centre will change from a maximum two-hour free stay car park to maximum one-hour free stay car park, seven days a week.
This change is intended to promote orderly and safe parking within the car parks, support the maintenance and improvement of the facilities, and increase the turnover of parking spaces to accommodate more visitors to access the Civic Centre, whilst ensuring our staff can park at their workplace.
The rear car park will transition to a pay and display system with enforced restrictions between 8am and 8pm daily.
The new Civic Centre rear parking charges are as follows:
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Up to one hour: Free (a Time of Arrival ticket must be displayed)
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Up to four hours: £4
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Up to eight hours: £8
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Overnight parking: Not permitted (except for council vehicles)
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Permits will be available for regular users (for all day parking)
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Electric vehicles (EV) can park for up to four hours in an EV charging bay while actively charging the vehicle. Please ensure your vehicle is plugged in and charging during this time. You are required to pay for a ticket for the duration of your stay (if you do not have a permit to park).
Driver's parking in designated disabled bays must ensure their Blue Badge is clearly displayed at all times to avoid penalties.
Parking enforcement will be active from 24 September, and vehicles found in violation of the new rules may be subject to fines.
Cabinet Member for Finance, Assets and Commercialisation, Councillor Wesley Roberts, who is responsible for car parks across the borough, said: "We want to ensure that the Civic Centre car parks are used fairly and responsibly and that people using the Civic Centre to see the council, visit the Job Centre or Citizens Advice or the new NHS Health Centre can do so.”
“These changes will help improve access for our staff and visitors, support the upkeep of the facility, and reduce misuse by those not visiting the Civic Centre.
“They are about creating a safer, more efficient parking environment for everyone, whilst also ensuring sustainability of our council assets.”
South Ribble Borough Council thanks residents and visitors for their cooperation as we work to improve accessibility and fairness in town centre parking.
More information can be found here: southribble.gov.uk/parking
FAQs
Civic Centre rear car park:
1. Why will parking charges be introduced at the Civic Centre car park?
Parking charges will be introduced to improve access for Civic Centre visitors, prevent misuse by non-visitors, and support the maintenance of the facility. The car park was frequently used by people visiting nearby businesses and services, limiting availability for those attending council offices.
2. Was there any public consultation before this decision?
Yes. A public consultation was carried out, and the proposal was formally approved at the Executive Member Decision (EMD).
3. When will the new charges come into effect?
The pay and display system will be implemented on Wednesday 24 September 2025, with enforcement active from that date.
4. What are the new parking charges?
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Up to one hour: Free (a Time of Arrival ticket must be displayed)
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Up to four hours: £4
-
Up to eight hours: £8
-
Overnight parking: Not permitted (except for council vehicles)
-
Permits will be available for regular users (for all day parking)
-
Electric vehicles (EV) can park for up to four hours in an EV charging bay while actively charging the vehicle. Please ensure your vehicle is plugged in and charging during this time. You are required to pay for a ticket for the duration of your stay (if you do not have a permit to park)
5. Do Blue Badge holders need to pay?
No. Disabled badge holders may continue to park free of charge when displaying a valid Blue Badge.
6. Is the first hour free for everyone?
Yes. All users are entitled to one free hour of parking, regardless of purpose.
7. Can I get a parking permit if I use the car park frequently?
Yes. Permits will be available for regular users at a cost of £400 per year, aimed at those who park daily/regularly. (To apply, please visit SouthRibble.gov.uk, click Roads, Parking and Travel, click Parking, then click long stay car park permits).
8. Can I park overnight?
No overnight parking is permitted, except for designated council vehicles.
9. How long can I park in an electric vehicle (EV) charging bay?
EVs can park for up to four hours in an EV charging bay while actively charging your vehicle. Please ensure your vehicle is plugged in and charging during this time.
10. Do I need to display anything in my vehicle while using the EV bay?
Yes, you are required to obtain a ticket for the duration of your stay.
11. How is the car park being monitored?
The car park will be under active enforcement, with clear signage and regular patrols to ensure compliance.
12. Will this effect access to the Civic Centre for council business?
No. The changes are designed to improve access for Civic Centre visitors by increasing turnover and availability of parking bays.
13. Who can I contact if I have questions or concerns?
For further information or to raise a concern, please contact: carparks@southribble.gov.uk
14. Do motorcycles have to pay?
No, motorcycles are exempt from charges.
Civic Centre front car park:
15. What will be the new parking restriction at the Civic Centre front?
The maximum stay will be reduced from two hours to one hour to improve turnover and access for short-stay visitors.
16. When do these restrictions apply?
The one-hour limit is enforced 8am to 8pm, seven days a week from Wednesday 24 September.
17. Are there options for longer stays nearby?
Yes. Visitors needing extended parking can use designated nearby car parks, which offer longer duration options.
18. Will signage be updated to reflect the new limit?
Yes. Clear signage has been installed to ensure drivers are aware of the updated restrictions.