New free parking amongst price changes

In just under two weeks’ time, residents and visitors to Bromsgrove town centre will officially be able to park for free for short stays under 30 minutes and after 6pm.

The inclusion of free parking for 30 minutes is part of several changes coming into effect in the town centre later this month.

From the end of June, parking will be completely free for Blue Badge Holders, for all standard short stays under 30 minutes and for evening visitors arriving after 6pm until 8am.

The changes will take effect on Monday 24th of June in all Bromsgrove District Council operated long and short-stay car parks across the town.

After a 13-year price freeze, the changes to conditions also include some fee increases up to a maximum of 30% on parking stays. A one-hour stay will now cost between £1 and £1.30.

Season tickets which entitle holders to unlimited parking in authorised car parks have remained frozen at £80 a quarter, a price which reflects very good value for regular users of the car parks.

Interim Head of Environmental and Housing Property Services, Simon Parry, said: “The implementation of the new tariffs will have a positive impact on the way people enjoy Bromsgrove town centre, allowing those quickly popping to the shops a free 30 minutes, encouraging the nighttime economy of the town with free evening parking, and keeping prices the same for those who are frequent visitors to the town and benefit from our season tickets. These changes will also provide better accessibility for blue badge holders visiting the town centre. Even with the small rate increases to standard tariffs too, Bromsgrove continues to have some of the cheapest parking around.”

Free parking for 30 minutes is subject to the display of a valid ticket which can be obtained from the Pay and Display machines. Parking for Blue Badge holders is free, a valid Blue Badge must be prominently displayed in the vehicle to qualify. For those car parks in which there is a maximum stay of 3 hours, the clock must be set to the time of arrival next to the badge. Vehicles arriving after 6pm and leaving before 8am are not subject to any charges and do not need to display a ticket.

Simon added: “We encourage all those using the car parks to double check the tariff boards in car parks across Bromsgrove from 24th June. The failure to pay the correct fee could result in a fine.”

The decision to update parking conditions was made by Councillors in February 2024 at a meeting of the full council. The fees were not implemented alongside other fees and charges changes in April 2024 due to the suggested parking condition amendments going through an additional consultation process, which has now been completed.

Tariffs have increased by an average of 25%. The full details of the incoming tariffs can be found here: https://www.bromsgrove.gov.uk/residents/my-place/parking/