A report to North Lincolnshire Council's Cabinet Member for Highways and
Environment will recommend that a pilot scheme is introduced in Brigg to give people two hours free parking in the town's car parks. The report will be published tomorrow (Friday 14 November) and if agreed to free parking will be in place for January.
This means around 120,000 people would get free parking in Brigg every year.
The pilot scheme will look at the effect the free car parking has on local businesses and spaces in the two main car parks. Currently people parking in Brigg have to pay 70p if they want two visit the town for two hours. The pilot will be reviewed in six months and could lead to changes in other pay and display car parks in North Lincolnshire.
Cllr Don Stewart, leader of North Lincolnshire Council, said:
"The council has listened carefully to what businesses and local people have to say about car parking charges in Brigg.
"There are a number of options for the future - including all day free parking. But we know that this could lead to real problems with congestion in the car parks. There are problems in other areas with commuters parking their cars all day in free car parks and travelling to work together.
"Car parks full early in the day, with no space for shoppers, would be a disaster for businesses in Brigg.
"The proposal for two hours free parking would see around two thirds of the people who currently pay getting free parking.
Cllr John England, Cabinet Member for Highways and Environment, added:
"If agreed, two hours free parking would mean that all shoppers can park in Brigg for free. The move would cost the council around £50,000 over a full year but will be reviewed in six months time.
"This review will look at how useful local people and businesses have found the free parking and if it has helped regenerate the area."
-END-
Notes for Editors: The car parks covered are the Angel and Old Courts Road. The current parking charges are 30p for one hour, 70p for up to four hours, £1 for up to 6 hours, £1.20 all day.
PR 1106 13 November 2003