Free Bingham town centre parking to be capped at two hours

The proposal follows a survey last year, and focuses on increasing the turnover of free spaces to help motorists and businesses, a council says

Free parking at two council-run car parks in Nottinghamshire will be capped at two hours as part of efforts to increase the availability of spaces.

Rushcliffe Borough Council had considered introducing charges after one hour at the Newgate Street and Needham Street car parks in Bingham.

But the plans were scrapped at a meeting on Tuesday.

The authority said it opted for two hours of free parking at both following feedback.

The Newgate Street car park is currently free for up to 12 hours - the maximum stay - while the Needham Street site is free for two hours and £20 for 12.

The agreed tariffs at both car parks will be - free for up to two hours, £1 for two to three hours, £5 for three to four hours and £10 for up to 12 hours.

A council spokesperson said the charges, due to be introduced later in the year, would be reviewed after 12 months.

"Any funds received from car parking only meet the cost of the changes that are required, such as new car park machines and contributing to the overall cost of maintaining these car parks," they added.

The council also approved plans for half an hour of free parking in the bays around the town's marketplace.

The authority previously said the review was designed to improve parking in the town centre through encouraging short stay rather than all-day parking.