With changes to parking arrangements in Sleaford taking effect from May 1, including new charges for blue badge holders, all motorists are advised to check the signage in car parks.
Following changes to the parking concession, from Friday blue badge holders will need to pay to park in District Council car parks, but they will be able to stay for twice as long as the period that’s paid for, up to the maximum duration permitted in any specific car park.
As an example, for the £1 fee for one hour at Westgate or East Banks car park, or £1.50 at Money’s Yard, blue badge holders will be able to stay for two hours, which is twice as long as for other users. This will apply across all types of bay, not just the designated disability bays.
Also beginning on May 1, all spaces at Church Lane will be free, for up to an hour, to facilitate short-stay pop and shop activity. A valid ticket will still need to be displayed. The one hour max stay applies to blue badge holders here too.
Along with slight increases of generally 20p to 50p for an hour or two, these are the first changes for seven years to come into effect across the eight car parks operated by North Kesteven District Council.
Sleaford Town Council’s Eastgate Car Park, has separate arrangements.Parking locations and costs are detailed on the Council's Car parks and permits webpage.
Parking payments can be made by cash, card or by phone using call, text or through the APCOA Connect app or website.
On Thursday and Friday, April 30 and May 1, while the parking machines are being updated, motorists may find them covered over. While out of use no charges will apply.
From then, motorists are reminded of the need to check the boards to familiarise themselves with the changes and requirements for purchasing and displaying a ticket, even for the free stay at Church Lane and the extended blue-badge parking.
Cllr Mark Smith whose Executive Board oversight includes parking provision said: “We appreciate that these changes are coming together, all at one time after so many years of consistency, during which I’m sure many locals have become used to the long-standing situation. And so we advise everyone to just check the boards whenever and wherever they park to ensure they’re fully aware of the new arrangements.
“Parking fees in Sleaford remain good value and among the lowest in Lincolnshire.
"With the new free hour, the doubling of the time period for blue badge holders over the time permitted for a standard fee, and the more advantageous rates for longer stays in the more peripheral car parks we have maintained a balanced provision."
Evening, Sunday and Bank Holiday parking remains free across all Council car parks, as does Saturday parking at Lafford Terrace and blue badge parking in the available spaces at Market Place between 9am and 3pm Tuesday to Thursday. And later this year a new car park will be opened up at Kesteven Street.