South Kesteven District Council car parking charges to return in Stamford from Saturday

Parking charges suspended at the height of the coronavirus pandemic are to be reinstated in council-run car parks from Saturday (August 1).

South Kesteven District Council temporarily suspended charges at the end of March, and in June extended the suspension to July 31 to cover the reopening of town centres.

The council’s cabinet member for commercial and operations, Coun Dr Peter Moseley, said: “The suspension of parking charges was a temporary measure and we have ensured it remained in place while the outbreak was at its peak.

“During that time the car parks have mainly been used by key workers and those having to make essential journeys.

“Parking charges are an important revenue stream that help pay for essential services provided by the council and, with lockdown restrictions easing, the time is right for them to be reintroduced.”

The charges will be back at car parks in North Street, Bath Row, St Leonard’s Street, Scotgate, Wharf Road and Cattle Market in Stamford.

Coun Moseley said: “Public health remains a top priority and anyone using the pay and display machines should also remember to apply hand sanitiser as a precaution after they have done so.

“There is also the option of paying by mobile phone, details of which are on the ticket machines.”

Drivers are also reminded to social distance when getting in and out of vehicles.