Hereford parking changes ‘must not harm fragile city economy’

Big changes planned to parking in Hereford risk undermining its “fragile” city-centre economy, a senior local figure has warned.

Herefordshire Council’s draft Parking Strategy 2026–2041 proposes pegging future price rises to inflation, alongside installing pay-on-exit systems and providing advance information on parking spaces.

Hereford Business Improvement District (BID), which represents city-centre businesses, says it leaves parking at risk of failing to meet businesses’ needs at a critical time.

Its chief executive Mike Truelove said making parking simpler and more flexible could encourage people to stay longer and spend more in the “car-dependent” city.

But he added: “We cannot ignore the current reality.

“Footfall is low, confidence is fragile, and businesses are under pressure. This is not the time to introduce policies that risk making Hereford less competitive.”

In particular, “parking price rises for already hard-pressed and over-taxed drivers must be considered extremely carefully”, he warned.

“Even small increases could deter visitors—especially when people have alternative destinations with easier or cheaper parking.”

And on the suggestion in the strategy that the council might offload some car parks, Mr Truelove said he would “strongly caution against reducing parking supply based on current demand levels”, which “risks locking in decline”.

“This strategy must be judged on one key question: does it make it easier, more attractive and more affordable to visit Hereford?” he said.

Consultation with businesses and the public on the draft strategy is now being prepared and is thought likely to begin in the next four to six weeks.
Hereford BID “will be making its views known”, Mr Truelove said, adding: “It is vital the final strategy reflects the real pressures businesses are facing and includes measures that actively drive visitors back into the city centre.”

Herefordshire Council’s Cabinet member for transport and regulatory services Coun Barry Durkin said the new strategy “is focused on the location, availability and management of parking and how this can best support thriving and accessible town centres, rather than the level of parking charges”.

“It also supports wider priorities around improving access to key services and maximising travel choices, helping to strengthen the vitality of our local high streets and visitor economy,” he said.