THE 'Free after 3pm' parking scheme could be extended until the end of March next year. 

As part of Cotswold District Council's (CDC) budget proposals, motorists would be allowed to continue parking for free every day after 3pm in the following car parks:

  • Rissington Road, Bourton-on-the-Water
  • Brewery Car Park, Cirencester
  • Forum Car Park, Cirencester
  • Old Market Way, Moreton-in-Marsh
  • Maugersbury Road, Stow-on-the-Wold
  • Church Street, Tetbury
  • West Street, Tetbury

Parking is already free at the Fosseway car park, Stow-on-the-Wold and the Old Railyard car park, Tetbury.

Commenting on the proposal at a cabinet meeting on Thursday, February 16, member for enterprise and partnerships, Cllr Chris Hancock, said: “The ‘free after three’ scheme has been extremely successful in moving demand for car parking to less busy times of the day.

"There is also no doubt that it has helped to ease competition for spaces at peak periods, both in Cirencester and elsewhere. 

“Provided my proposal to extend the duration of the scheme is endorsed by the full Council next week, I believe that the whole District will benefit.

"Motorists will have the option of parking off-peak to avoid charges, and local traders should benefit from a boost in footfall at times of the day when numbers normally tend to tail off.

“I should also point out that the budget proposals include the freezing of parking charges for yet another year and I am sure that this measure will also be welcomed by motorists.”

Lib Dem leader in the Cotswolds, Councillor Joe Harris commented on CDC's budget proposals: “I was a little surprised to learnt that the Conservatives have implemented the bulk of our budget proposals, I’m definitely not going to complain about that!”

“We still want to see more detail about what they administration are actually going to do with respect to planning enforcement, the Conservatives have allowed a shambolic situation to develop. 

"I’m pleased to see money for defibrillators and our own ‘Free after 3’ policy extended.

“We’ll now be looking to see what else can be included in the budget ready for next week’s meeting.”