Great news for drivers! The council decided to keep free parking after 3:30 PM, ensuring convenience for parents and local businesses in Staffordshire Moorlands.
After some discussion, council leaders decided to keep free parking after 3:30 PM. They also want to talk to local councils about the future of these free spots. Some members suggested trying out new tech, like automatic number plate recognition and cashless payments.
The idea behind these changes was to boost parking income. They estimated that charging for free spots could bring in over £100,000 a year. But some councillors doubted this would happen. They felt that charging would push people to park on the streets instead.
Councillor Kate Mills emphasized the importance of free parking for parents. She pointed out that local businesses are thriving because parents stop for coffee or ice cream after school.
Others echoed her thoughts, saying that free parking is vital for the community. They believe it helps keep local shops busy. The council is now looking to work with parish councils to keep some car parks free.
In the end, they agreed to trial some new ideas while keeping the free parking after 3:30 PM. This way, they can see what works best for everyone involved.
