A proposal to start charging in free council car parks to prevent abuse by commercial companies, will be discussed at Cabinet.
Some car parks have been plagued with rogue airport parking and car dealership parking. This has led to anti-social behaviour and reduced the space available for residents to use.
The proposal is to offer two or three hours free and up to 10 hours at a cheap rate, with higher charges for a longer stay.
The proposal would introduce parking regulations and charges at:
• Upton Court Park Car Park (Upton Ward)
• Lascelles Park Car Park (Upton Ward)
• Salt Hill Park Car Park (Baylis & Salt Hill Ward)
• Cippenham Recreation Ground Car Park (Haymill Ward)
• Harvey Park Car Park (Langley Foxborough Ward)
• Manor Park Recreation Ground Car Park (Manor Park & Stoke Ward)
• Slough Ice Arena Car Park (Baylis & Salt Hill Ward)
• Langley Leisure Centre Car Park (Langley Meads Ward)
• The Centre Car Park (Baylis & Salt Hill Ward).
It is recommended there should be no opportunity to extend parking beyond the initial period of free parking at Cippenham Recreation Ground, Harvey Park and Manor Park Recreation Ground.
For the remaining six car parks, there will be the option for car park users to stay beyond the free period, subject to payment of the following fees: 3 to 5 hours - £5 and 5 to 10 hours - £10. Parking for 10 to 24 hours would cost £20.
Councillor Paul Kelly, lead member for housing, highways, planning and transport, said: “We recognise our parks, open spaces and leisure facilities are vital for the wellbeing of residents and we want to ensure they are still accessible. This is why there will be a free parking period in each site so as not to penalise genuine users. Residents can also cycle and walk to our sites for added health benefits.
“This is about protecting our car parks from commercial abuse. The charges will apply after two or three hours and have been designed to deter those wanting to use these facilities for commercial use or personal financial gain. Any parking revenue will help cover the costs of upkeep at each location.
“By managing the parking in this way, we aim to prevent private businesses taking advantage of our car parks and reduce the associated anti-social behaviour.”
Enforcement will be undertaken via the existing enforcement contract.
Cabinet is asked to delegate authority to the Executive Director of Regeneration, Housing and Environment in consultation with the Lead Member for Transport and Highways to complete the statutory process, including taking account of any representations and approve the necessary traffic regulation orders required for each site identified.
Cabinet will meet on 19 May. Find the meeting papers online.