Consultation underway on charges at free car parks

Langley Leisure Centre car park would be one of nine car parks affected by the new charges

A council is proposing to introduce charges at its car parks which, at the moment, are free.

Slough Borough Council said charges would only apply after an initial two-hour or three-hour free period.

Car parks include Salt Hill Park, Slough Ice Arena, Langley Leisure Centre, The Centre, Upton Court Park, Lascelles Park, Cippenham Recreation Ground, Harvey Park and Manor Park Recreation Ground.

The council said it felt that "by introducing charges, and increasing enforcement of the car parks, we will keep more spaces clear for their intended use."

The charges aim to deter abuse of the car parks from commercial operators and commuters, which the council said had led to anti-social behaviour.

There would be no opportunity to extend parking beyond the initial period of free parking at Cippenham Recreation Ground, Harvey Park or Manor Park Recreation Ground.

However, for the remaining six car parks, there would be the option to pay to stay beyond the free period.

Lead member for planning, parking, highways and transport, Councillor Paul Kelly, said the initial free parking meant residents could still "take their dog for a walk, enjoy a run, or use the play equipment on site".

"There is an additional hour of free parking at the three leisure sites", he added.

He said: "We want to deter businesses from using our car parks for long periods of time as free storage."

"Any money generated will go back into the upkeep of the car parks and for parking enforcement," he said.

The consultation runs until 3 October.