South Ribble Borough Council amends parking plans following feedback

The consultation on a raft of changes to the initial proposed charging structures on the council car parks has led to the following amendments:

• Longer free car parking periods at select car parks
• Structures which provide a boost to businesses allowing for an increased turnaround of customer use
• More free parking time for Leyland Leisure centre users

Councillor Wesley Roberts, Cabinet Member for Finance and Assets at South Ribble Borough Council said: “I want to thank everyone who responded to our consultation about our proposed changes to our car parking restrictions and pricing structures.

“Change is never easy, but the proposals were part of our efforts to improve the quality and access of our car parks across the borough as well as making it fairer and more efficient for council tax payers who don’t use our car parks, whilst supporting all the local people in our communities who need them – whether it’s for shopping, work or living nearby.

“We know our communities needs are different and that our car parking offer must reflect the needs that you’ve told us about, which is why we have listened to the feedback and come up with a set of changes that are fair, accessible and maintain low prices, which wouldn't be possible if a third party company were to take them over.

“All of our car parks have an option of one hour free, and thanks to your feedback some now have two hours free. Those car parks near retail and other business areas have been designed to provide space for a steady stream of shoppers ready to shop locally, whilst avoiding all day parking from commuters. Some car parks have the option of a long stay permit, which provides daily parking for just over £1.10 a day, which is exceptional value.

"Over £100,000 is being allocated to bring up to standard seven car parks across the borough and this investment, along with the introduction of a small charge for those wishing to stay longer at our car parks, will ensure that we can continue to support our communities for the long term.

“Finally, we have extended free parking at Leyland Leisure Centre to three hours free for its users, bringing this in line with Bamber Bridge Leisure Centre. For leisure members needing longer than this, whilst using the centre, our staff will be able to assist in ensuring you get maximum use out of your membership of our newly renovated centres.”

The approved car parking structures are as follows:

• Kingsway car park, Bamber Bridge - 2 hours free parking with no return within 3 hours from 8am to 6pm (long stay permits available).
• Liverpool Road Car Park, Penwortham - 1-hour free parking, no return within 3 hours, £1 for 3 hours and £2 for 4 hours. From 8am to 6pm.
• Ryefield Avenue Car Park, Penwortham - 2 hours free parking no return within 3 hours from 8am to 6pm (long stay permits available).
• Bowling Terrace Car Park, Leyland - 1-hour free parking, no return within 3 hours, £1 for 3 hours and £12 for 7 days from 8am to 6pm. Long stay permits and residents permits are available.
• Leyland Leisure Centre, Leyland – 1-hour free parking, no return within 3 hours. 3 hours free for leisure centre users. Long stay permits available. From 8am to 6pm.
• Cann Bridge Street Car Park, Higher Walton - 2 hours free parking, no return within 3 hours from 8am to 6pm. Residents and long stay permits available.
• Churchill Way Car Park, Leyland - 1-hour free parking, no return within 3 hours, up to 3 hours £1, all day £3 with 7 days £12. Long stay permits available. From 8am to 6pm.
• Bamber Bridge Leisure Centre, Brindle Road - 3 hours free parking, no return within 3 hours, £3 all day or £12 for 7 days. Long stay permits are available. From 8am to 6pm.
• Withy Grove Car Park, Bamber Bridge - 3 hours free parking, no return within 3 hours, £3 all day, £12 for 7 days from 8am to 6pm. Long stay permits available.
• Victoria Road Car Park, Walton-le-Dale - 1-hour free parking, no return within 3 hours, £1 for 3 hours. Long stay permits and residents permit available. From 8am to 6pm.

The approved changes will come into place over the coming months, and signage will be erected on each car park with details of the new charging structure.

Detail of charging structures after consultation.