Free short-stay parking is set to be introduced at The Labbott car park in Keynsham from July, the Council has announced.
Keynsham is currently undergoing a major regeneration.
The introduction of 2-hours’ free parking at the town centre car park comes following a lengthy campaign by local traders in the Keynsham, backed by the town’s Conservative councillors.
A total of 31 free parking spaces will be created at the car park and will be in place on a temporary trial basis during the construction period of the new town hall site. The Council is aiming to introduce them from the 8th July.
The Liberal Democrat-run authority dropped its opposition to creating some free parking in the town after Conservative councillors successfully moved a motion during the Council’s budget meeting in February earmarking the money necessary to implement the proposals.
Councillors have welcomed the announcement and have said that if it proves successful they hope the Council will consider making the change permanent.
Councillor Charles Gerrish (Cons, Keynsham North) said: “I’m very pleased that we have got here in the end, it demonstrates that perseverance pays off. It’s good to see that the voice of Keynsham has ultimately been listened to on this issue. Common sense has prevailed.”
Fellow Keynsham councillor Kate Simmons (Cons, Keynsham South) added: “It’s been a hard slog to get to this point, but it’s really good news that B&NES is finally set to introduce some free town centre parking from July. The efforts of local traders and members of the Town Team, who have campaigned tirelessly for this, are to be congratulated.
“Thirty free spaces is less than we had hoped for, but will still make shopping trips cheaper and easier for local residents. Hopefully, if this trial proves successful then these free spaces will become permanent.”
