CORONAVIRUS: Council set to bring back parking charges

The council announced today that normal charges are to be reinstated from Monday 15 June in all the council operated car parks.

The fees have been suspended since March 27 during the lockdown period brought in to tackle coronavirus, and the return to charging will coincide with the date when all retail shops are expected to be allowed to reopen, according to the council.

Cllr Chelcei Sharman, portfolio holder for town centre services, said: “We have managed to hold car park charges off as long as we can to help residents and local businesses, but as businesses start to reopen we feel it is the right time to reintroduce normal parking fees.

“Other district councils have already started charging but we wanted to wait until the Government began to lift some of its restrictions before we had to do the same.

“Thankfully our regular market traders can return from 3rd June, and retail will be allowed to open from 15th, subject to measures being put in place according to government guidance.

“We want to thank all those who have complied with the advice and helped keep your town safe.”