Council approves plans to introduce car parking charges at Gedling Country Park

Gedling Borough Council leaders have today approved plans to introduce car parking charges at Gedling Country Park.

The council’s Cabinet confirmed that all revenue generated from the new parking charges will be reinvested directly into the maintenance, upkeep, and development of the award-winning park.

Cabinet members discussed the plans at their meeting on 9 January, following a public consultation.

The feedback received has helped shape the proposals, which includes the introduction of a £2 daily parking fee to be implemented in Spring 2025, and a permit system for regular visitors, as well as for members and volunteers of the Friends of Gedling Country Park group.

The council has confirmed that cashless payment options will be an additional convenience for users, not a replacement for traditional cash payment methods.

While visitors will be able to pay using a mobile app or card at selected machines, cash payments will continue to be accepted across all car parks.

The parking charge is expected to generate up to £200,000 annually, which will be used exclusively to ensure the park remains one ofNottinghamshire’s best-loved green spaces.

Funds will go towards essential maintenance, such as repairing potholes in the upper car park, and broader park improvements to benefit the community and visitors.

Councillor John Clarke MBE, Leader of Gedling Borough Council, said: “This is about reinvesting in Gedling Country Park to ensure it remains one of the best parks in Nottinghamshire.

“Every penny raised from these charges will go directly back into maintaining and improving this important space. This funding will secure the future of our flagship park for the thousands of people that visit every year.

“We are proud of Gedling Country Park and we are committed to keeping it in top condition for everyone to enjoy.

“We’ve also listened to feedback and are making sure that payment options are flexible and accessible. Whether visitors prefer to pay by cash, card, or app, they’ll have a choice. We think this is a fair and reasonable step to sustain the park’s future.”

Gedling Borough Council said that the £2 daily charge ‘remains competitive’ with other country parks in the region.

They said charging hours will run from 8am to 6pm, ensuring early morning and late evening visitors can still enjoy the park at no extra cost.

Gedling Country Park is accessible by public transport, and parking at the nearby Lambley Lane car park will remain free.