Parking plans changed after public feedback

Proposed parking charge increases across Wiltshire could come into force from September, although some of the original plans have been changed following public feedback.

Wiltshire Council is proposing an average 20% increase in parking charges from September, followed by a further five per cent increase in 2028.

However, several parts of the original proposals have been changed following a public consultation, which received 1,762 responses.

The council had originally proposed extending charging hours from 7am to 7pm across all car parks and proposed aligning Sunday charges with weekday tariffs.

Under the revised plans, charging hours would only be extended in short-stay car parks, such as Weymouth Street. Long-stay car parks, such as Warminster’s Central and Western, would retain their current 8am to 6pm charging hours.

Sunday tariffs would be aligned with weekday tariffs in short-stay car parks only, while long-stay car parks would retain their day-rate charging structure. Sunday charging hours would remain from 10am rather than being extended to 7am.

Cllr Martin Smith, cabinet member for highways, said, “We received a significant response to the consultation and we have listened carefully to what people, businesses and local councils told us.

“The final proposed package strikes a balance between supporting our town and city centres, managing parking effectively, and ensuring parking income continues to support important transport and highways services across Wiltshire.”

The council said that income from parking charges helps fund parking services and wider transport infrastructure, including support for the rural bus network.