Wiltshire Council make changes to parking charges in Salisbury

Wiltshire Council is making changes to its parking fees.

As agreed in its recent budget, the council say the changes will better reflect current inflation levels and recover some operational costs.

Two types of changes will come into effect: those starting from the 1st of April 2022 will go ahead without any further consultation outside of the budget-making process, other changes will be subject to public consultation through the traffic regulation order (TRO) process – including raising all car park charges by 10p per hour.

From 1 April, the following changes will apply:

• The removal of the free parking after 3pm in Culver Street car park, Salisbury.
• An increase in residents’ visitor parking permits from 40p to 60p.
• A charge for annual visitor permits; these are currently free but will now cost £20.
• An increase of the tradesmen’s waiver, from £11 to £15.
• Sunday charging in all Wiltshire Council car parks.
• The end of free event parking for town and parish councils.

The TRO process will begin soon, and will specifically consult on introducing parking charges for Blue Badge holders; increasing car parking charges by 10p per hour on every tariff, and introducing car parking charges at Castle Combe car park. When the process begins, people can have their say on these proposals here.

Cllr Dr Mark McClelland, Cabinet Member for Transport, commented, “The pandemic has meant that we haven’t been able to make the type of savings that we normally would have over the last couple of years, and so we have had to make difficult decisions on parking charges across the county.

“These changes to parking services follow the strategy set out in our Local Transport Plan, and help to bring the charges in line with inflation.

“Several changes will start on 1 April, while others are subject to a traffic regulation order consultation – and I’d urge people to share their views through this process.

“We have not increased parking charges in four years, and we have no intention of doing so again in the next four years.

“These changes will enable us to invest in parking throughout the county, while also supporting vital services such as buses.”

To find out more about car parking charges click here.