New parking fees to 'help balance council books'

The charges will apply in car parks such as Rock Street in Thornbury

Motorists are to start paying to park at 22 council-owned car parks.

South Gloucestershire Council is introducing charges from 19 May from 08:00 to 18:00, Monday to Saturday.

Parking will remain free on Sundays and bank holidays, except at park-and-ride sites and train station car parks.

Drivers will be charged 70p for the first hour in short-stay car parks, rising to £5 for up to four hours.

Parking in long-stay car-parks will range from £3 for the first four hours, up to £5 for six hours.

The council said "at least 10% of spaces" in short-stay car parks where charges apply will be free for stays of up to 30 minutes.

Disabled Blue Badge holders will be able to park in any space for free for up to four hours.

New parking pay machines have been installed across the area

The new parking scheme has been brought in to help the council balance its budget and be able to "afford other essential services into the future", according to the authority.

Councillor Sean Rhodes, cabinet member for communities and local places, said when the scheme was announced: "It is essential for us to take this action in order to balance our books going forward.

"By charging those who use the car parks, we will be able to prioritise and protect the services that people rely on to keep them safe and healthy."