Free parking pilot event in Herefordshire

Herefordshire Council has announced a countywide free parking pilot event.

The pilot will enable residents and visitors to enjoy free parking for up to 4 hours after 10am on all council car parks in Herefordshire (except Friar Street, Hereford) on February 9, 2019.

Monitoring and information-gathering will determine the wider impact of parking concessions on businesses, traffic flow and car park usage.

Parking enforcement officers will observe traffic and parking patterns, but customers will not be required to purchase tickets.

The event does not apply to on-street paid for parking.

Cabinet member for transport Barry Durkin said: “It is reported that town centres are struggling right across the nation, and we are working with local stakeholder groups including residents and businesses, to consider ways that we can encourage people to come into our town centres.”

“We have carefully considered the impact on parking income in approving this which enables us to undertake this free parking day.”

“There is a strong need to understand the benefits of free parking to help inform a review on future concessions.

“I encourage local residents and visitors to make full use of the free parking by enjoying a day out and about in our city and town centres, visiting local shops and businesses, enjoying the county’s leisure facilities and our vibrant public spaces.”