At yesterday’s (Wednesday 13th) meeting of Caerphilly Council’s Cabinet, a set of parking tariff proposals were unanimously agreed, including the removal of the existing pay and display fees in 5 of the authority’s Country Parks, as Cabinet recognise the significant health benefits of utilising the sites.
The meeting follows the recent decision taken by Cabinet to extend the suspension of parking charges across the county until the end of March, in a bid to support key workers and encourage residents to shop local for essential supplies.
The proposals will see FREE parking continue in the council owned car parks of Parc Coed Tir Bargoed, Parc Cwm Darran, Parc Penallta, Pen-y-Fan Pond and Sirhowy Valley Country Park.
The report also sought Cabinet approval for the rates for short stay and long stay car parks to be standardised across the borough generally resulting in some lower tariffs.
In addition, where car parks are close to schools, officers may contact the school and local members to review arrangements to assist with pick up and drop off.
Cllr. John Ridgewell Cabinet Member for Environment & Infrastructure said, “We are very fortunate to have some fantastic country parks in our county and recognise that visiting them will have a positive impact on the wellbeing of our community. It’s important that everyone continues to adhere to the current coronavirus restrictions, but after the restrictions are eased, and the advice on travelling to exercise has changed, residents and visitors will then be able to travel to these sites to enjoy all they have to offer and park free of charge.”
He continued, “The other proposal set out in the report to standardise the pay and display tariff, was also agreed in an effort to continue to demonstrate our support for business and the wider community, all of which have suffered throughout the Pandemic, we will continue to do all that we can to extend support to our communities.”
