SIMPLIFIED charges for pay-and-display parking have been introduced in central Bristol.
A new single hourly charging structure has replaced the previous daytime, evening and overnight tariff system. Everyone is charged based on how long they park, and the regime will be easier to understand, especially for users whose stay covers the transition period from daytime to evening.
The end of the charging period has been brought forward from midnight to 10pm to reduce the impact of the changes on those parking in the evening. During the first year, parking charges between 6pm and 10pm will also be reduced by £1 per hour. This discount will then reduce by 20p each year until the standard rate applies. Drivers parking overnight will also be able to pre-pay parking for the following morning.
Maximum stay limits remain in place for all parking bays. The changes mean drivers will now pay £4.50 an hour between 8am and 6pm, seven days a week, in the 1-hour maximum stay bays and £3.50 an hour within the 2 and 4-hour maximum stay parking bays. Between 6pm and 10pm there will be no maximum stay limit.
Blue Badge holders and motorcyclists will continue to be able to park free of charge in designated bays and pay and display spaces, with no time limit.
Further changes are set to be introduced across Bristol in the coming months as part of ongoing work to make parking arrangements clearer and easier to use, while helping to support local businesses, including those that operate at nighttime.
Councillor Ed Plowden, chair of the transport and connectivity committee, said: “These changes will make parking charges simpler and more consistent across central Bristol, helping people understand what they need to pay, while helping to manage parking spaces more effectively.
“They balance the needs of residents, businesses and visitors, support our local economy during the day and night-time, and help ensure limited kerbside space is used efficiently.”
More details on the council website.