• Offering shoppers free short stay parking.
• Available in all council-operated car parks in the county – seven days a week.
• Balanced approach supports local businesses while maintaining essential parking services.

We will introduce 30 minutes’ free parking in all council operated car parks from April 2026, delivering a key commitment to support local businesses and shoppers. The new “Pop and Shop” scheme is designed to make short, local trips easier and boost footfall for shops, cafés and services across the county.

By reducing barriers to short stay parking, the initiative encourages quick visits, increases use of small retailers and independent businesses, and helps sustain vibrant high streets. Season tickets will continue to offer around a 57% discount for regular users compared with daily charges, supporting affordable options for local workers.

The proposals come as the council addresses a potential £30 million funding gap for next year, caused by government funding not meeting the growing needs of Herefordshire’s communities. Council parking tariffs have remained static since 2023, but the scale of the financial challenge means all areas of the budget, including parking, now require review.

To maintain car parks safely, reinvest in transport infrastructure and offset the income impact of introducing free parking, the council is proposing an average 8–10% increase in parking charges – for an hour’s parking that’s on average about 15p. Less central, longer stay car parks used mainly by local residents and workers will retain relatively lower rates than the central, higher turnover car parks mostly used by visitors. Across all council car parks, the first 30 minutes will be free of charge. Had tariffs increased in line with inflation since 2023, the cumulative rise would have been around 17%, so the planned adjustments remain significantly below that level and have been structured to protect those who rely most on affordable parking. This is part of the council’s proposed package of measures, including making £20 million in savings, to close the funding gap.

Cllr Barry Durkin, Cabinet Member for Member for Roads and Regulatory Services, said:

"Pop and Shop is a practical and positive step that supports our residents, our high streets and our local economy. By making short trips easier and more affordable, we’re helping people to shop locally and backing the independent businesses that sit at the heart of our communities. We know the council is facing significant financial challenges, but we are determined to take a balanced and responsible approach – one that protects essential services while still delivering on our commitments and helping to support the local economy. This scheme, alongside reasonable tariff changes, is part of a wider plan to keep our parking network fair, accessible and fit for the future."

All proposed changes will be introduced through a statutory Notice of Variation, which will be published for 21 days and will allow the council to implement the updated parking arrangements from April 2026. The council will continue to monitor car park usage and work with local businesses, many of whom have supported the development of the Pop and Shop proposal. The scheme will apply only to council operated car parks, not on street metered parking.

Cllr Durkin added:

"Revenue from council operated car parks helps fund well maintained and accessible parking facilities, supports sustainable transport options such as cycle parking and ensures a healthy turnover of spaces that benefits local businesses. Surplus income is reinvested into transport infrastructure, including public transport schemes, highway maintenance and environmental improvements."