CONCESSIONARY parking permits for pensioners have been reintroduced in Stratford.
Members of Stratford District Council’s Cabinet agreed to re-introduce the concessionary parking permits for residents of state pension age at a meeting on Monday (September 4).
The parking permits for over 65s cost £50 a year and will be available from October 1.
The reintroduction of the parking permits was discussed at a previous meeting of SDC’s Cabinet back in July when questions were raised over whether pensioners were the most in need of concessionary parking permits in Stratford.
Several councillors expressed feeling “deeply uncomfortable” with the proposal in light of the cost-of-living crisis.
The move is a u-turn on a decision made in January 2021 to abolish the concessionary over 65s permit. This came as part of a parking shake-up which has also seen the introduction of charging in Fisherman’s Car Park, an increase in the hourly tariffs at Stratford Leisure Centre for coaches, lorries and motorhomes and an increase in the leisure centre’s overnight charges for all vehicles, both in line with inflation.
Back in July the Cabinet members agreed unanimously to send out plans to reintroduce the over 65s parking permit to public consultation, which would include consulting residents on what hours they would like to see the permits valid for, as concerns were raised 9am to 5pm could be too limiting.
One member of the public responded saying the 5pm cut off limit was too early.
SDC environment spokesperson Coun Lorraine Grocott said: “This was one of our main manifesto pledges and I am so pleased that we have been able to work with officers to bring back this permit for residents.
“The re-introduction of the concessionary parking permit will encourage more residents of state pension age to visit Stratford to interact as well as providing more affordable access to open spaces and leisure facilities.”
Those eligible will be able to purchase the concessionary parking permit from SDC’s offices.
The use of the concessionary parking permit will be limited to a maximum of four hours a day and will allow permit holders parking at Bridgeway Multi-Storey and Bridgeway surface car parks only.
Coun Grocott added: “We also looked into a reciprocal scheme being introduced by Warwick District Council, but sadly this was declined, and we are unable to extend the offer to other car parks in the town presently.”
One hour’s free parking is still available at Bridgeway multi-storey and Bridgeway surface car parks for all residents and visitors and disabled parking for Blue Badge holders remains free of charge in all SDC car parks.
