Drivers will be able to use any space to park for free for 30 minutes in council car parks where charges were introduced last year, as part of a range of improvements to the scheme to be rolled out in May.<\/p>\n
The change is among a number of measures that will make the scheme easier to use and promote the use of local High Streets.<\/p>\n
The updates are being unveiled following a series of face-to-face meetings, which has provided helpful feedback from local stakeholders, including Chambers of Commerce, Town and Parish Councils as well as individual traders and residents.<\/p>\n
The mix of long and short stay tariffs will also be simplified, based on a years\u2019 worth of practical experience and user feedback.<\/p>\n
Since being introduced in May 2025, the scheme has brought in more than \u00a3750,000 in funds for the council, which has helped to maintain vital services.<\/p>\n
The changes, in detail, will mean that:<\/p>\n
Occupancy rates in the car parks where charging has been introduced has varied as drivers have adapted to the new system. For example, in Kingswood, the Bank Road, Cecil Road, South Road and Kings Chase shopping centre car parks have had higher usage than was projected, while Boultons Road has seen fewer users. In Thornbury, Castle Court and St Mary\u2019s Street car parks have been used more than projected, while Rock Street car park has been used less. In Yate, the Kennedy Way car park has been used less than predicted, while the Leisure Centre car park has had more use than estimated prior to the scheme being introduced.<\/p>\n
The validation scheme, which allows visitors to park for free in car parks close to GP surgeries and the Minor Injuries Unit and Leisure Centre in Yate, has also been effective. More than 190,000 visits have been registered across the six sites since the scheme was implemented.<\/p>\n
South Gloucestershire Council Cabinet Member for Communities and Local Place, Councillor Sean Rhodes, said: \u201cWe introduced the scheme because as a council we need to be able to balance the books and to fund the vital services that so many people rely on.<\/p>\n
\u201cImplementation has been broadly successful. Residents and visitors have adapted to using the app well and our car parks where charging is in place are being used well.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe deliberately kept the price as low as possible, much cheaper than many other councils in the region, but we have been listening to local people and businesses, which is why we are going to make these improvements.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have also been listening to our local traders and high streets and know that they are facing many challenges, common across the country, as people\u2019s shopping habits continue to change. We continue to support our high streets and traders though a range of schemes and initiatives and this work goes on.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have to balance measures we can take to help keep our high streets thriving with the steps we need to take to maintain all council services in very difficult times financially.<\/p>\n
\u201cCrucially, we are generating much-needed revenue for the council, which as we go through our budget setting process for the coming year, takes some of the pressure off of needing to make cutbacks and to protect vital services, including social care support for older residents.\u201d<\/p>\n
The changes will come into effect once signage in the car parks, the council\u2019s website and the MiPermit app have been updated. This is expected to be implemented in mid-June and the exact date will be announced in due course.<\/p>\n