Herefordshire Council is to bring in new ‘pay on exit’ parking on a number of key car parks to encourage more people to spend more time in Hereford. The move, which is likely to be popular with city shops and businesses, as well as visitors, will be introduced in the spring next year.
Councillor Brian Wilcox, cabinet member for highways and transportation, said pay on exit technology will be a major boost for the local economy.
“We want to make it easier and more convenient to come and shop in Hereford” he said, “without motorists having to worry about getting back to the car park on time. Visitors will tend to linger in the shops or cafes, and explore and enjoy more of what the historic core of the city has to offer.
Pay on exit enables shoppers and visitors to drive straight into a car park without the need to buy a pay and display ticket. Barriers will be installed to control entry and exit and motorists pay for parking on their return - based on how long they have stayed.
An assessment of each car park will be made to establish how pay on exit would best benefit visitors and local shops and businesses. Detailed work is now underway to identify up to four car parks where this system can be installed over the coming months.
The move is described as ‘a massive step forward’ by the Hereford City Centre Forum, part of the Chamber of Commerce.