Car parking charges among those set to go up

Car parking charges in Spalding and Holbeach are being increased

South Holland District Council has announced the increases it passed as part of its budget for the next financial year beginning in April.

It says the charges are ‘necessary’ and is introducing new shoppers’ and workers’ passes.

The changes are:

• Boston Road South in Holbeach will be a £1 fee for two hours and £1.50 day. It was previously free parking for the first two hours.
• In Spalding, Sheep Market (where you can only stay for up to an hour) will become a flat rate of £1.50, up from £1 and the 50p option for 30 minutes will be abolished.
• Westlode Street is currently £1 for two hours and £2 for four but will go up to £1.80 for two hours and £2.80 for four hours. A new one hour charge of £1.20 will be introduced. The £3 all day fee will remain the same.
• Both Vine Street and Herring Lane will also be £1.20 for one hour, £1.80 for two hours and £2.80 for four hours. It will increase from the current cost of £1 for an hour, £1.50 for two hours, £2 for three hours and £2.50 for four hours.
• Holland Road, The Vista and Winfrey Avenue parking will increase to £1.20 for one hour and £1.80 for two hours as well as the £3 all day charge remaining. Previously in the car parks the charge went up 50p every hour from the initial hour’s rate of £1.
• The Castle Sports Complex Swimming Pool car park will be £1.20 for one hour, £1.80 for two hours and £2.80 for four hours. It’s changing from £1 for one hour, £1.50 for two hours, £2 for three hours and £2.50 for four hours.
• The Shopper’s Pass for parking up to four hours can be purchased for either £15 a month or a £150 annual pass for Vine Street, Victoria Street, the Castle Sports Centre Swimming or Holbeach’s Boston Road South.
• The Workers Pass is £25 a month or £250 a month covering Victoria Street, Holland Road, The Vista, Winfrey Road and Boston Road South in Holbeach.
• As happens now, charges apply 8am to 6pm Monday to Saturday.

A spokesman for South Holland District Council, said: “The parking fees, which had not been increased since 2019, will rise in most car parks, with a new selection of passes being introduced from April to support regular shoppers, workers and commuters, to make repeated parking simpler and more cost-effective than one-off usage.

“A study of parking trends in council car parks showed that a large number of users were commuters or residents staying for extended durations, with short stay car parks also being used heavily.

“As a result, the council has introduced a new commuter and worker pass, allowing full day stay at monthly, quarterly, twice yearly or annual charge, offering savings of up to £460 a year, based on working five days a week.

“Current users of parking season tickets can save up to £210 a year on their current fees, with the passes being transferrable between Spalding and Holbeach, to help bring more crossover trade across both towns.

“The new shopper’s pass, valid for four-hour pass is aimed at people visiting Spalding or Holbeach town centre regularly. This would allow people to park unlimited times a month for £15 a month, £80 for six months or £150 annually.

“Following resident feedback about the experience of using the payment machines in these car parks, plans are also in place to introduce new more reliable, secure and efficient machines accepting contactless, chip and pin, cash or online app payment options. These will be installed in the coming weeks and are being funded through the council’s agreed budget for 2024/25.”

“Parking remains free on Sundays, subject to presenting a ticket from a payment machine in the vehicle windscreen. The council has also committed to making all car parks free after 6pm to support evening trade in the two towns.

“The changes come as councillors approved a variety of increases to its fees and charges, including building control and planning applications, in line with national guidelines and to help cover the costs of running these vital services in the face of increasing budget challenges.”

Coun Henry Bingham, portfolio holder for Assets and Strategic Planning at South Holland District Council, said: “The raising and introduction of prices is a difficult but necessary decision for the Council to make in the current climate, to allow us to continue to deliver our key services and to provide quality, safe car parking to our residents and visitors.

“These small increases mean we can continue to provide car parking in our towns, whilst also committing to free parking on Sundays and after 6pm during the week in Spalding and Holbeach, and an improved offer for our most regular users through the new shopper and worker passes.”