Limits on Wellington car parks will be introduced

Time limits are to be introduced on four car parks in a town in Telford to make it easier for shoppers to park.

From Monday people will not be able to park for any longer than three hours in just under half of the 850 free spaces available in Wellington. It follows concerns that shoppers and visitors were finding it difficult to park close to the town centre, with workers' cars left in the spaces all day.

But a trader and town councillor in the town said the move would not solve the problem as there was just not enough parking in the town – a situation he claims will worsen when the new Civic Quarter opens in April.

Councillor Miles Hosken, who owns a gentleman's outfitters in the town, said traders regularly complained to him that shoppers had left the town because they could not find anywhere to park.

"It's farcical. Every trader is being hurt because people cannot park," he said.

"Whatever the situation, it is still not good enough."

There are around 850 spaces available on council-run car parks in the town, with just under 330 of those spaces becoming short-stay.

The move affects Nailers Row, off Victoria Road, Victoria Road North (Health Centre), off Victoria Road, the Swimming Pool West Car Park and the Swimming Pool East Car Park.

In these car parks, parking will be allowed for a maximum stay of three hours with no return within two hours.

The remaining car parks of Belmont/Tan Bank, Railway Station, Ten Tree Croft, Wrekin Road and Victoria Road South will remain long stay. Parking on all short and long stay car parks will remain free.

A spokesman for Telford & Wrekin Council said staff were being encouraged to share lifts, join travel to work schemes or hire bikes.

Councillor Hilda Rhodes, cabinet member for transport and community protection said: "We have looked to provide an appropriate balance of car parking spaces for both long and short term parking."