Major review of parking charges in Plymouth

Free short-stay parking in the West End and a new 30-minute stay for shoppers are among a number of improvements being proposed in a major review of Plymouth’s parking arrangements.

Plymouth City Council is overhauling its parking tariffs in a bid to make charges more consistent and easier to understand, make better use of available road space and support local businesses.

The proposals include a free 15-minute parking period in the city centre’s West End to support independent traders, whose customers usually want to pop in for just one or two items.

A 30-minute stay will be introduced across all pay and display bays, giving motorists the option to park for half an hour for just 70p. Currently only available in a few locations, the Council believes this tariff will be perfect for shoppers who only need to pick up a few things.

There will also be no increase to the hourly rate in car parks or pay and display bays, which the Council says further demonstrates its commitment to supporting businesses.

A new single tariff will be introduced for all on-street parking in the city from 8am to 10pm. In some areas this will mean that charges apply earlier or later in the day than they do currently, but the single tariff will simplify charges and make them consistent across the city.

Strand Street Car Park will be renamed Cremyll Ferry Car Park and a charge of £1 an hour will be introduced during the day to discourage commuters and residents and free up spaces for people wanting to visit Mount Edgcumbe. This is in line with charges at Western Approach Car Park, which offers some of the lowest tariffs in the city. Residents will, however, be allowed to use the car park from 6pm to 8am. A Cremyll Ferry timetable will also be put up in the car park.

Many of the city’s pay and display bays will be made ‘mixed use’, meaning they can be used by resident and business permit holders as well as paying visitors. This will ensure much-needed spaces aren’t left empty during working hours and will be of particular benefit in areas where there are currently lots of different arrangements along one road, as it will reduce confusion.

Daily Visitor Tickets, which are permits bought by guest houses and hotels for their guests, will go up from £2 to £3. They will however be valid until 10am the next morning, to allow guests enough time to check out. The change of pay and display bays to mixed use will also give guests more choice in where to park.

Residents’ permit restrictions in zones F (Glen Park) and J (North Hill) will be extended so they apply at all times. This will help to prevent commuters and other non-residents parking in these zones to avoid pay and display charges and keep bays free for residents.

Councillor Mark Coker, Cabinet Member for Transport, said: “This is probably the widest ranging review of parking in the city for some time and is desperately needed.

"The changes should make charges much simpler and less confusing and make better use of road space, especially where this is at a premium. It was also help boost the local economy by supporting businesses, visitors and shoppers – which is something the current administration pledged to make a priority.”

The proposals will be formally advertised from Monday 19 August and members of the public will be able to comment on the changes. If approved, the changes are expected to be implemented on 1 October.

The decision to advertise the proposals has been signed off by Councillor Coker under delegated authority and can be called in for scrutiny.