Parking charges temporarily suspended
Published: Wednesday, 25 March, 2020
Enforcement of parking charges is being temporarily suspended in Stroud District Council-owned car parks. This is to help drivers needing to make essential trips.
This measure is being implemented so that the council can reallocate parking enforcement staff to critical services which are supporting residents, businesses and communities through the Coronavirus pandemic, and to help residents and the small number of essential businesses which the Government is allowing to stay open. The Council supports the Government’s view that health workers, social care workers and NHS volunteers should not have to pay for car parking as they go about their critical work.
It means motorists will be able to park free-of-charge in Parliament Street, Church Street, Cheapside, Rowcroft, London Road and Brunel Mall car parks in Stroud town - people can only make essential trips however.
Government measures introduced on Monday only permit travel for shopping for basic necessities such as food and medicine, which must be done as infrequently as possible, and any medical need or to provide care or to help a vulnerable person. Travelling to and from work is also permitted, but only where this is essential work and absolutely cannot be done from home.
All retail stores selling non-essential goods are closed as well as outdoor and indoor markets, excluding food markets. At all times people must observe a two metre gap when they are outside.
“This will help everyone including key workers like those working in the NHS and our other important services to collect essential food and medicine with one less thing to worry about,” said Stroud District Council Leader Doina Cornell.
“These are exceptional times and this frees up more staff resource to help where it’s needed – our number one priority is supporting residents, businesses and communities through this, and taking this step will help.”
Payment machines are being covered up in the car parks where charges are normally levied. This measure will be reviewed on a regular basis and any changes will be fully communicated in advance.
Motorists with season tickets can have them frozen during this period, so they won’t lose out. To suspend a permit please contact parking@stroud.gov.uk.
For all updates on how Stroud District Council is responding to the Coronavirus pandemic, please visit www.stroud.gov.uk/coronavirus