Council announces new discounted parking scheme in response to price-hike backlash

The cut-price scheme, to be introduced towards the end of July, will mean motorists will pay from as little as £1 and no more than £5 to park all day at its city centre car parks.

Under the new 1-2-3-4-5 parking initiative it’ll cost just £1 to park for an hour, £2 for two hours, eventually reaching £5 for all-day parking.

Blue badge holders will also get an extra hour for their money under the new charges.

The discounted parking offer comes hot on the heels of a free parking weekend offer on Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 June – with the council promising more free parking weekends through the summer.

Rob Stewart, Leader of Swansea Council said the plans give motorists cost effective parking in the city and will support local businesses at a time of high inflation and rising interest rates.

He said: “The Bank of England has again raised interest rates, creating pressure on householders paying mortgages, and the cost of living is hitting people hard.

“The council will do everything it can to ease the burden on businesses as well as on hard-pressed families struggling to pay their bills.

“Our latest plans are part of our commitment to businesses, city centre workers and visitors to the city centre to ensure they get value for money when they park in the city centre.

“Motorists will pay just £5 to park all day in all city centre car park and this makes us one of the cheapest cities in the UK.

“We’ve announced a free weekend of parking in the city centre at the end of June and we will be planning further free weekends in the weeks to come.”

The new parking charges plans are expected to be introduced in the next few weeks and the council is also reintroducing free bus travel during the school summer holidays.

Cllr Stewart added: “We’ve had enormous success with the free bus travel plans, helping boost use of public transport as well as enabling families to save money when they travel.”

Future plans include looking at parking charges at coastal and beach car parks – which are currently subject to different summer and winter charges. The council will be aiming to consult with coastal businesses on option for new charges later in the year. In the meantime, residents visiting coastal areas can still benefit from residents discounts.