A private operator is to take over the running of one of Bath & North East Somerset Council’s car parks in Keynsham from the start of April.
The Ashton Way East car park
The council has leased the Ashton Way East car park from the landowner for several years.
It currently has a maximum stay of four hours. Charges apply Monday to Saturday, and it is free to park there on Sundays.
Councillor Alan Hale, Independent ward councillor for Keynsham South, announced on Facebook last Friday, 13th March: “Bath & North East Somerset Council leases the small third party-owned car park at Ashton Way East behind Costa on the slope, which provides fewer than 30 short-stay spaces and contributes only marginally to the town centre’s overall parking capacity, less than 5%.
“The landowner is seeking to substantially increase the annual rent, with indications that competing interest from a private parking operator may drive this higher.
“The council is unable to support the proposed significant price rise, as it would make the site commercially unviable and a net financial liability to the council.”
Councillor Joel Hirst, cabinet member for sustainable transport strategy at B&NES Council, said: “From 1st April the council is not operating the 30-space Ashton Way East short?stay car park in Keynsham, which is owned by a private landlord.
“We’re reminding drivers that more than 680 spaces remain available across the seven council?run car parks in the town, including 30 minutes’ free parking in the green bays at Ashton Way car park opposite.
“Signage will go up on the car park nearer the time and you can find more details about council-run car parks on our website.”
A spokesman for the landowners confirmed to the Echo that the car park will remain open after 1st April, but will be operated by Euro Car Parks with similar pricing.
