New car park charges are still well below neighbouring cities

Following a review of charges across the County, new car park charges for Hereford city are due to come into effect on Monday, June 2.

This will be the first time parking charges have been altered since 2003. Recognising the need to support the local economy and attract visitors to come and shop and do business in Hereford, the new charges will continue to be significantly lower than neighbouring Cities such as Worcester and Gloucester where a full day's car parking can cost up to £12.

Car parks within the city are designated as short, medium or long stay. Short stay car parks are generally close to the city centre with a maximum stay period and charges set to encourage turnover of spaces for shoppers and visitors wishing to stay only a few hours.

Medium stay car parks have charges set to allow for longer visits while the city's long stay car parks remain attractively priced to provide for all-day visitors and commuters.

In the largest long stay car park at Merton Meadow, for instance, you will still be able to park for just £1 a day.

Medium stay car parks include the Garrick Multi-storey where it will cost 60p for one hour with a maximum of £4 for all day parking.

Short stay car parks include those in Gaol Street and West Street. The charges here will be £1 per hour with a maximum stay of 4 hours to encourage turnover of spaces to help shoppers find a space and support local businesses.

Those looking for a night out in the city will also welcome the removal of evening charges at the Bus Station, Union Walk, Wye Street and Maylord Orchards car parks. This should help to encourage more people to enjoy the city's night-time attractions without having to pay for parking.

Councillor Brian Wilcox, Herefordshire Council's cabinet member for highways and transportation, said: "This is the first time we have revised parking charges in Hereford city for more than four years and even now we have managed to keep the changes overall in line with inflation.

"The good news is that commuters can still park for just £1 a day in the largest car park at Merton Meadow and we have removed evening charges to encourage more people to enjoy a night out in the City without having to pay for parking," he added.