Wiltshire car parking charges rise by 20% from today

The new prices and parking arrangements follow a consultation on proposed changes.

The increase had been rounded to the nearest 10p.

Wiltshire Council said charges had not risen since 2022, while inflation had increased by 28 per cent during that period.

Motorists will also see changes to when and where they have to pay.

Charging hours in short stay car parks have been extended to 7am to 7pm, while Sunday tariffs in short stay facilities have been brought into line with weekday charges.

Sunday charging will continue to start at 10am.

Long stay car parks will generally keep their existing charging hours of 8am to 6pm, with Dunns Lane car park in Castle Combe the exception.

There will also be new weekend charges at selected council owned car parks, including sites around County Hall in Trowbridge and the Bridge Centre in Chippenham.

However, proposed Sunday on street parking charges will not be reintroduced in Salisbury, while existing arrangements will remain at The Maltings car park.

Cabinet member for highways Cllr Martin Smith said the changes represented a “balanced approach” following feedback.

“We listened carefully to residents, businesses and local councils and amended a number of proposals as a result,” he said.

“Parking charges haven’t risen since 2022, despite 28% inflation in that time, so it is important that parking charges keep pace with rising costs and continue to support the delivery of parking, highways and transport services across Wiltshire.”

He said income from parking helps fund transport infrastructure, including Wiltshire’s rural bus network, as well as the maintenance of parking services.

The full list of new charges and arrangements is available from Wiltshire Council via www.wiltshire.gov.uk/parking