Stone MP Sir Gavin Williamson has presented a petition to Stafford Borough Council calling for two hours of free parking at Crown Street and Christchurch Way car parks, with his office reporting that more than 1,800 people have signed it.
The petition was handed over at the Civic Centre in Stafford and asks the borough council to introduce free parking for the first two hours at both locations to help support businesses on Stone High Street.
The petition argues that the shortage of free, accessible parking is having a negative effect on local businesses and organisations.
What would change for drivers?
Currently, both Crown Street and Christchurch Way car parks charge 90p for up to one hour, £1.40 for up to two hours and £2.60 for up to four hours.
Christchurch Way also offers all day parking for £3.80, while Crown Street has a maximum stay of four hours.
The petition calls for two hours of free parking at these two car parks, rather than across every council car park in Stone.
There is already some free parking elsewhere in the town. The Stone Canalside and Stone Riverside car parks at Westbridge Park offer up to two hours free from Monday to Friday, although drivers must obtain and display a ticket. Both car parks are free at weekends.
MP calls on council to act
Sir Gavin launched his campaign earlier this year, arguing that reducing the cost of parking would encourage more people to visit Stone High Street.
In July’s ALBOS questions and answers with the MP, he identified parking as one of the practical issues he believed needed addressing to help local traders.
Following the petition’s submission, Sir Gavin thanked residents who signed it and the High Street businesses that made it available to customers.
He said:
“Now, it is time for Stafford Borough Council to listen to our community and support Stone High Street.
Local councils should exist to support our communities and do everything in their power to enable them to thrive.”
He also pointed to the free weekend parking offered during December in previous years, arguing that a wider scheme would benefit the town.
What has the council said?
Stafford Borough Council previously defended its parking charges when the petition passed 1,000 signatures in August.
Speaking to the Local Democracy Reporting Service at the time, a council spokesman said the £1.40 charge for two hours helped cover the upkeep of its car parks, including lighting, CCTV, cleaning and public toilets at Crown Street.
The council said removing parking income would mean finding the money elsewhere, potentially through council tax or reductions in services.
There is not yet a confirmed timetable for a response to the petition.
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