New proposals from Staffordshire County Council could see more free parking for limited periods at certain times of day in Stone in a move designed to boost town centres.
The plans are designed to revitalise town centres and will also look to encourage a higher turnover of short stay parking during shop opening hours, and longer stays in the evening where there may be a wider night-time economy. Discount vouchers for customers with money off parking could also be included in the proposals, as well as on-street parking spaces and the ability to buy parking tickets in local shops.
The county council says it will be working with district and borough councils and private car park operators over the next few months to identify the most effective arrangements for each individual town and village. Formal consultation with the public would be carried out before any changes are made.
Cllr Mark Winnington, cabinet member for economy, environment and transport at Staffordshire County Council, said: “Well thought out car parking arrangements for our towns and villages is essential for our local economies to grow. We want to support the vitality and viability of our town centres, helping support local shops and jobs while attracting more visitors and tourism to the county. At the same time we want to strike the right balance in each town that benefits the whole community. Carrying out a review will give us the chance to explore innovative and creative ways of better managing our car parking arrangements across the county.”
Could the plans help to boost Stone town centre? Car parking is provided in the town by Stafford Borough Council (Westbridge Park, Crown Street and Christchurch Way) and the town council’s free car parks at Crown Wharf and Northesk Street. Free, time-limited on-street spaces are provided in Station Road and Margaret Street. A pedestrianised High Street could count against the town in any county council initiatives. Let’s wait and see what the review decides for Stone town centre.
The proposals will be considered at a meeting of the Council’s Cabinet on Wednesday 17 June.
1 comment
Peter Calvert
Stone needs more long stay parking as many people who apparently work in town park all day in residential streets in the Stonefield area which makes residents parking difficult. If SCC & SBC want to support the Town Centre in Stone they need to get parking provision and level of charging right