Parking changes 'must not harm city economy'

Planned changes to parking in Hereford risk undermining its "fragile" city-centre economy, a body that represents businesses has warned.

Pegging future price rises to inflation is proposed in Herefordshire Council's draft Parking Strategy 2026–2041, alongside putting in pay-on-exit systems.

Hereford Business Improvement District (BID) chief executive Mike Truelove said parking price increases "for already hard-pressed and over-taxed drivers must be considered extremely carefully".

The council said the new strategy was focused on the location, availability and management of parking, rather than the level of charges.

The draft strategy proposes pegging future price rises to inflation alongside providing advance information on parking spaces.

Hereford BID, which represents city-centre businesses, said it left parking at risk of failing to meet businesses' needs at a critical time.

The chief executive suggested that making parking simpler and more flexible could encourage people to stay longer, but he added: "We cannot ignore the current reality.

"Footfall is low, confidence is fragile, and businesses are under pressure.

"This is not the time to introduce policies that risk making Hereford less competitive."

Truelove said even small increases could deter visitors "especially when people have alternative destinations with easier or cheaper parking".

On the suggestion in the strategy that the council might offload some car parks, he said he would "strongly caution against reducing parking supply based on current demand levels", which "risks locking in decline".

Consultation with businesses and the public on the draft strategy is now being prepared.

Council cabinet member for transport and regulatory services Barry Durkin said the new strategy "is focused on the location, availability and management of parking and how this can best support thriving and accessible town centres, rather than the level of parking charges".

"It also supports wider priorities around improving access to key services and maximising travel choices, helping to strengthen the vitality of our local high streets and visitor economy."

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations.

Follow BBC Hereford & Worcester on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.