Plan for one hour's free parking in Welshpool

Motorists using car parks in a Mid Wales town to "pop" to the shops could be given up to an hour's free parking under new proposals.

Drivers in Welshpool could benefit from the proposals after town councillors launched a scheme to clamp down on illegal parking in the region.

Robert Robinson, town clerk, today said it could be possible for the town council to assist Powys County Council with the cost of a scheme.

He said: "I've been in touch with the county council to ask how much they would stand to lose if they let motorists park free for up to an hour in all Welshpool car parks.

"It's something that we as a council have been planning to do for a while and if the cost of it allows us, it's something we'll try and introduce in the town."

He said the proposal was still in its early stages and no concrete plans had been discussed.

Policy

"The main reason why we want to offer free car parking in the town is to help clamp down on illegal parkers," he said.

"A lot of motorists come into town just to pop to the bank or to get milk, they don't want to pay for a ticket so they end up parking somewhere unsafe and usually on the street.

"A lot of people who can't find anywhere to park in the town end up going elsewhere to buy there milk, bread or paper because they don't want to pay the car park fees."

He said residents would be able to have their say at public consultations over the next few months.

A spokesman for Powys County Council said it was the authority's policy to retain pay and display car parks within Powys.

He said: "Over recent years the charges have been harmonised throughout the county. Income generated from car parks offset the costs of other services and is vital in ensuring that council tax increases are kept to a minimum. However, if Welshpool Town Council has any proposal to subsidise car parking within the town, we would be interested to talk to them."

For more details on the proposals call (01938) 553142.

By Anwen Evans