Parking charges reintroduced in Warwick

Parking charges in Warwick District Council’s off-street car parks will be reintroduced on 1 August 2020.

In line with government guidance, and to assist all key workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, parking has been free in all 27 council operated car parks since March. This was extended in June to support the gradual opening of the town centres and to encourage footfall.

As more businesses reopen and the Government launches its ‘Eat Out to Help Out’ scheme, the council will be reinstating parking charges to ease potential congestion and help with access to the short-stay car parks.

Cllr Moira-Ann Grainger, portfolio holder for neighbourhood and culture, said: “Footfall will steadily be increasing in our town centres as people return to work and to the shops and restaurants they’ve missed. While we have made the decision to reinstate the charges, we would like to direct longer-stay visitors and commuters towards our Park & Stride Car Parks, where you can park from as little as £1 a day. This will free up centrally located car parks for short-stay and evening visitors.

“With more traffic free streets in our town centres we would also like to encourage people to walk and cycle where possible and have now made a number of cycle racks available in key locations.

“Owners of electric vehicles that live or work in Warwick district can also apply to us for a free parking pass that covers all of our car parks. It’s important to emphasise that the income we receive from parking is only used to maintain our car parks, ensuring that they are safe and accessible at all times.”