Gedling Borough Council Cabinet members will decide on whether to approve plans to introduce parking charges at Gedling Country Park and roll out cashless payment options across the borough’s car parks at their Cabinet meeting on January 9.
The council recently launched a consultation to get public feedback on these changes, which they say will enhance convenience for users and generate essential funding for park maintenance.
The council said it had listened to the feedback from the responses and is now proposing to introduce a permit system for regular visitors and for member and volunteers of the ‘Friends of Gedling Country Park’ group.
Feedback from the consultation about the times of charging were also considered by the council and it is being proposed that charging will be applicable from 8am – 6pm, to allow for early morning or late evening regular visitors to access the park at no extra cost.
Currently, parking at Gedling Country Park is free, with voluntary donations generating approximately £4,000 to £6,000 annually.
Under the new proposal, a daily charge of £2 would be introduced, which the council said would ensure that the park can continue to meet maintenance needs, such as addressing potholes in the upper car park. This fee, which they said is ‘competitive with other country parks in Nottinghamshire’, could raise up to £200,000 per year towards the maintenance and upkeep of the Green Flag award winning park.
Cashless car park payments
In addition to the introduction of charges at Gedling Country Park, the council also plans to modernise its parking systems across the borough by introducing cashless payment options.
Users will be able to pay with an app or phone and extend their parking stay remotely. Card payment options will also be added to selected machines for those preferring not to use the app.
Cash will continue to be accepted at all car parks.
Councillor John Clarke MBE, Leader of Gedling Borough Council, said: “These proposals aim to strike a balance between ensuring our parks and public spaces are well-maintained while making parking more convenient for residents and visitors.
“The introduction of £2 all day charges at Gedling Country Park will help us sustain and improve this community space for the long term and is the same cost as a cup of tea at the park’s café, which we think is very reasonable compared to other country park car park charges.
“We’ve listened to feedback from the consultation and while we know people would prefer it to stay free, we have to be realistic but we will offer regular visitors the opportunity to purchase permits which will reduce the cost to them over the year.
He added: “We are very proud of our award winning flagship park and we are confident that the thousands of people who visit the park will understand our need to keep the park running effectively. “
Well if they do charge you they should tarmac the car park instead of that poor excuse we have now. When it rains you cannot get back in your car with your dogs without getting the disgusting yellow sludge absolutely everywhere. The paths certainly are not dog friendly covered in sharp stone and flint. Colwick park…now their paths are spot on.
Who paid for this park in the first place, It seems like Gedling want to charge us twice for this, well keep it Gedling I will go somewhere better.