New Shrewsbury parking charges get a mixed reaction

A new linear, pay-as-you-use, pricing structure has been implemented both on on-street parking spaces and in the town's car parks.

They have formed part of Shropshire Council’s new parking strategy.

Monday morning shoppers were faced with the new ticketing machines which went on line in time for workers coming in to town.

They were faced with working out if they will be winners or losers with the new pricing scheme, which now charges people per hour. Those stopping for shorter periods are likely to pay less, but those wanting to park up for the whole day face a far higher charge.

Carol and Arnold Rhoden had travelled to Shrewsbury to attend the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital before enjoying a spot of shopping.

The pensioners from Bridgnorth agreed that the new charges at the Frankwell Car Park were confusing and that the ticket machines were difficult to use.

Carol, 47, said: "A lady who was paying for her parking with her watch showed us how to use the machine. I think there will be lots of people having problems in the first few weeks before it beds in. But it is good that it is now cheaper for us than it was before. I don't mind the changes but it doesn't explain them properly. It's not easy."

Jane Withers, 69, from Ford said: "It seems to work but it is confusing. One hour is 70p which is cheaper than before. But it needs to be spelled out particularly for the older people."

Visiting the town from their home in Newcastle-on-Clun were Roland and Chris Young. The couple were used to paying £2.70 to park for two hours previously but were now happy to spend £2.10 for three.

"It's good for people coming in to town to shop for a shortish stay but not so good for those who use the car park while they work elsewhere in town. It is going to cost them a lot more." Roland, 61 was also dismayed to see the changes to the parking rates for motorhomes. "Now you have to park for each bay you take up, whereas before you didn't. It will discourage tourists with motorhomes from coming to Shrewsbury."

Celia Sequeira, 78, from Bayston Hill near Shrewsbury had popped in to town by car although she usually comes in by bus.

Finding the machine tricky to use, she enlisted the help of a passer-by who showed her which buttons to press.

She said: "I knew the prices were going up but I thought they would be easier to understand. But it is good that it is now cheaper than before. I hope that they will use the money generated by the parking charges to improve the car parks."

The new charges allow for a 15-minute pop and shop parking allowance, including 10 minutes’ statutory grace period on street.

Payments for parking can be made using contactless, card and coins at the new pay and display machines.

Cashless parking will be possible with the ‘MiPermit’ system and motorists will be able to use their smartphone, text messages, a website or telephone to make a payment.

There is free parking on Sundays and bank holidays in Frankwell and Abbey Foregate car parks as well as a free parking after 6pm, excluding Raven Meadows multi-storey, and free parking after eight hours in Frankwell Main, Frankwell Quay and Abbey Foregate car parks. It is possible to park for £1.50 all day on Sundays and bank holidays in Raven Meadows Multi-storey.

Following their introduction in Shrewsbury new parking charges will be rolled out in Ludlow later this month(NOV), Bridgnorth and Oswestry in January 2019 and in all other areas, including Market Drayton, Whitchurch, Wem and Much Wenlock in February 2019.