The Herefordshire Parking Strategy 2026–2041 sets out how the Council will approach parking over the coming years, helping to create a more consistent service that supports residents, businesses, visitors and local communities.

The strategy has been shaped by feedback from residents, businesses and stakeholders, with more than 470 responses received during a public consultation earlier this year.

Safety was a key theme, with more than 80 per cent of respondents saying it was important or very important when using parking facilities. People also raised concerns about unsafe and obstructive parking, particularly around junctions, schools and residential areas.

Other priorities highlighted through the consultation included protecting disabled parking spaces, improving the condition and safety of car parks, making parking information easier to understand and ensuring enforcement is fair and proportionate.

The strategy provides the framework for future improvements, including:

• making roads and communities safer by tackling parking that creates risks or obstructs access, particularly around schools, junctions and pedestrian crossings
• improving accessibility by protecting disabled parking spaces and ensuring future parking provision reflects the needs of different users
• recognising the different parking needs of Hereford, the market towns and rural communities
• improving the customer experience through clearer information and better use of technology
• supporting local businesses and town centres by helping people access shops, services and destinations
• improving the safety, maintenance and quality of council-managed car parks
• supporting wider transport choices, including walking, cycling, public transport and shared travel options

The strategy also introduces a Positive Parking approach, which aims to encourage safer and more considerate parking, with enforcement used where it is needed to improve safety, protect access and support communities.

Herefordshire Council’s Cabinet Member for Roads and Regulatory Services, Councillor Barry Durkin, said:

“Parking is something that affects everyone who lives, works and visits Herefordshire, and we know it is an issue people have strong views about. That is why listening to residents, businesses and stakeholders has been central to developing this strategy.

“The consultation gave us a clear understanding of what matters most to people – safer streets, accessible parking, well-maintained car parks and a fair approach to managing parking.

“This strategy is about much more than enforcement. It is about creating a parking service that works better for everyone, helping people park safely and considerately while supporting our communities, businesses and local economy.

“This future-looking strategy was written and developed by officers of the Council, without employing consultants. Thus, written by people who live and work in Herefordshire, for Herefordshire.”

“Thank you to everyone who took part in the consultation. The feedback received has helped shape the priorities in this strategy and will continue to inform how we improve parking across the county.”

The strategy recognises that parking challenges vary across Herefordshire, from Hereford city and the market towns to rural communities, and provides a countywide approach while allowing local priorities to be considered.

Work will now begin on delivering the strategy through a programme of future improvements, with progress monitored through the Council’s existing performance arrangements.

The Cabinet report and the Herefordshire Parking Strategy are available to read on Herefordshire Council website.