A consultation has launched on proposals to implement charges in free council car parks.
Charges would only apply after an initial two-hour or three-hour free period, to deter abuse of the car parks from commercial operators and commuters, which has led to anti-social behaviour.
Charges are proposed in:
- Salt Hill Park Car Park (3 hours free)
- Slough Ice Arena Car Park (3 hours free)
- Langley Leisure Centre Car Park (3 hours free)
- The Centre Car Park (3 hours free)
- Upton Court Park Car Park (2 hours free)
- Lascelles Park Car Park (2 hours free)
- Cippenham Recreation Ground Car Park (2 hours free)
- Harvey Park Car Park (2 hours free)
- Manor Park Recreation Ground Car Park (2 hours free)
There will be no opportunity to extend parking beyond the initial period of free parking at Cippenham Recreation Ground, Harvey Park or 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, 5 to 10 hours - £10, 10 to 24 hours - £20.
These limitations also apply to blue badge holders in both disabled bays and other parking bays.
Councillor Paul Kelly, lead member for planning, parking, highways and transport, said: “We know our parks, open spaces and leisure facilities are well used and we want to continue to make them accessible for everyone’s health and wellbeing. The initial period of free parking will mean people can still take their dog for a walk, enjoy a run, or use the play equipment on site. There is an additional hour of free parking at the three leisure sites.
“We want to deter businesses from using our car parks for long periods of time as free storage. We feel that by introducing charges, and increasing enforcement of the car parks, we will keep more spaces clear for their intended use – short term visits to use local amenities.
“Any money generated will go back into the upkeep of the car parks and for parking enforcement. We urge residents to share their views on how these proposed changes might impact them.”
Cabinet discussed this proposal in May and agreed to go out to consultation.
The consultation began on Friday 12 September and runs until Friday 3 October.
To have your say on the consultation, visit the public notices webpage and send comments to Parking.Consultations@slough.gov.uk or write in to Parking Development, Observatory House, 25 Windsor Road, Slough, SL1 2EL.