PARKING charges are coming in at council car parks in Kingswood this spring.
The cost for an hour at Kings Chase, for example, will be 70p but cash is not accepted. Payment will be via card or contactless, the MiPermit app or an automated call.
A limited number of spaces at all short stay car parks – Kings Chase, Bank Road, Cecil Road and South Road – will be free for up to 30 minutes. Otherwise fees are from 70p to £5.
Disabled Blue Badge holders will be able to park in any space for free up to four hours.
The charges apply from 8am to 6pm Monday to Saturday. Parking is free on Sundays,
Long-stay parking at Kings Chase and Boultons Road will cost from £3 to £20. Data is also being collected in the streets surrounding the relevant car parks, before and after charges are implemented, in case changes in on-street parking rules are needed.
Sean Rhodes, South Gloucestershire cabinet member for communities said: “Payment will be easy. In addition to an app, the machines we install will allow drivers to use their contactless or chip and pin card in the same way as most of us are used to in shops. For those without smartphones, an automated telephone option will allow users to pay that way. Neighbouring councils have charged for parking for many years, and whilst the cost to park in South Gloucestershire will be relatively cheap, it is essential for us to take this action in order to balance our books going forward. While everyone would like to be able to keep having free parking, by charging those who use the car parks, we will be able to prioritise and protect the services that people rely on to keep them safe and healthy.”
For further details, visit the council website.