WESTBURY’s free one hour parking trial has been extended for a further three months until Tuesday 31st March.
The temporary return of one hour’s free parking in Westbury’s Wiltshire Council car parks began in November last year, and has been prolonged until March while the council continues to assess its effects on the town.
Many residents and businesses welcomed the temporary reprieve for one-hour parking charges, saying that increased charges in 2011 has damaged trade in the town and encouraged shoppers to go out of town.
Wiltshire Council’s countywide parking review began after a Liberal Democrat campaign against charges introduced by the Conservative administration. The review received almost 5,000 responses from locals before it came to an end in January.
Parking in Westbury’s three council-run off-street car parks; the High Street, Warminster Road, and Westfield House will remain free for one hour. The Westbury Leigh car park is also owned by the council and will remain free of charge.
A spokesperson for Westbury Town Council said, “The council was pleased to hear that the trial period of one hour free car parking has been extended to 31st March.
“It was agreed that the previous trial period during November and December would not have given a true reflection of usage due to the roadworks and the Christmas period. The extension by three months may provide more meaningful data.”
Westbury Town Council is now inviting feedback from local traders on the effect that free parking has had on their businesses. The council would like to know: • Has there been a noticeable effect on turnover? • Has it affected footfall through the door? • Are you less or more happy to be trading in Westbury?
Any other comments are welcome. All responses should be sent to info@westbury towncouncil.gov.uk.
Although the hour is free, a ticket must still be displayed in all vehicles.
