PARKING charges in Ledbury could change under new plans from Herefordshire Council.

In a consultation letter sent to stakeholders, cabinet member for infrastructure and transport Councillor John Harrington said parking charges were an "essential function in the management of urban centres".

It's understood car parks will be designated as one of three categories which will have different pricing. It's not yet clear which car parks will be in which category. A formal decision will be made after the end of the consultation period, with stakeholders asked for their feedback. "Recently, I have had requests for parking concessions and I was pleased to be able to deliver four weeks of free parking to kick start the recovery," Cllr Harrington said in the letter. "This is not sustainable long term financially or environmentally. However, I do recognise that there may be some benefit in considering longer term concessions where they can positively support dwell time and space turnover, while encouraging visitors." The planned charges set out for Ledbury, for Monday to Saturday 8am to 6pm:

  • Work and stay: "Long stay parking for commuters, day or overnight visitors". Per hour: £1. All day: £3
  • Eat and visit: "Central parking for workers and visitors". Per hour: 80p. All day: £4
  • Stop to shop: "Convenient parking for short stay visits". Per hour: £1. All day £6

Concessions:

  • 'Super Sundays' free parking.
  • Active Wednesdays: Buy one hour and get three at selected out of town car parks.
  • 'Evenings are for eating': Free after 6pm every day.

Herefordshire Council's car parks in Ledbury and the current charges, which are for Monday to Saturday 8am to 6pm, are:

  • Bridge Street: Up to 4 hours for £1.50; up to 24 hours for £2.
  • Bye Street: Up to 1 hour for 50p; up to 2 hours for £1.50; up to 3 hours for £2.
  • Lawnside Road: Up to 1 hour for 70p; up to 2 hours for £1.20; up to 3 hours for £2; up to 4 hours for £2.50; up to 24 hours for £3.
  • St Katherines: Up to 1 hour for £1; up to 2 hours for £2; up to 3 hours for £3; up to 24 hours for £4.