Car park price hikes in Spalding and Holbeach ‘difficult but necessary’
Parking fees will rise across the district, with the decision described as ‘difficult but necessary’.
As part of the annual budget setting process, South Holland District Council has taken the decision to approve increases to a series of fees and charges for key services, including its car parks.
The parking fees, which had not been increased since 2019, will rise in most car parks, with a new selection of passes being introduced from April to support regular shoppers, workers and commuters.
A petition has been launched to fight the end of free car parking in Holbeach by Amanda Cook – but the move was slammed at full council last week by town councillors Tracey Carter and Sophie Hutchinson, as we reported earlier this week.
“The raising and introduction of prices is a difficult but necessary decision for the council to make in the current climate, to allow us to continue to deliver our key services and to provide quality, safe car parking to our residents and visitors,” said Coun Henry Bingham, portfolio holder for assets and strategic planning.
A council spokesman has confirmed that the parking charges pay for the upkeep of car parks and parking services.
Parking at Spalding’s Westlode Street, Vine Street, Victoria Street, Holland Road, The Vista, Herring Lane, Swimming Pool and Winfrey Avenue will cost £1.20 for a one-hour stay and £1.80 for a two-hour stay.
Four-hour parking will be available at the Westlode Street, Vine Street, Victoria Street, Herring Lane and Swimming Pool sites costing £2.80.
An all-day stay at Westlode Street, Holland Road, The Vista and Winfrey Avenue will cost £3. All-day parking at Victoria Street costs £4.
Parking at Sheep Market will cost £1.50 for stays up to an hour.
In Holbeach, the Boston Road car park will cost £1 for two hours and £1.50 for all day.
Charges will apply from 8am–6pm while parking remains free on Sundays, subject to presenting a ticket from a payment machine in the vehicle windscreen.
All car parks will remain free after 6pm to support evening trade in the two towns.
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The council has introduced a new commuter and worker pass, allowing full day stays at monthly, quarterly, twice yearly or annual charges, offering savings of up to £460 a year, based on working five days a week.
Current users of parking season tickets can save up to £210 a year on their current fees, with the passes being transferable between Spalding and Holbeach, to help bring more crossover trade across both towns.
The new shopper’s pass, valid for four-hour pass is aimed at people visiting Spalding or Holbeach town centre regularly.
This would allow people to park unlimited times a month for £15 a month, £80 for six months or £150 annually.
The changes come as councillors approved a variety of increases to its fees and charges, including building control and planning applications, in line with national guidelines and to help cover the costs of running these vital services in the face of increasing budget challenges.
