The introduction of charging for some of the council-controlled car parks in South Gloucestershire went live at the end of May.
The measure has been introduced as a way of helping the council balance its budget and be able to afford other essential services into the future. It does not affect all car parks in South Gloucestershire, but will cover 22 of those owned and managed by the council.
Among them are the car park at Filton Abbey Wood station and the park and ride at Stoke Gifford, as well as Church View in Filton and The Parade in Patchway.
The scheme includes an element of free parking in marked bays for visits of up to 30 minutes and free parking for up to four hours for disabled Blue Badge Holders..
Drivers can use the MiPermit app on their smart phones or ‘tap and go’ with their payment card or smartphone using the machines. Those who don’t want to make a contactless payment with their card or phone, can make a phone call and pay by card.
Where a charge applies, the first hour will be 70p. Longer stays will be £1.30 for up to two hours, £3 for up to three hours and £5 for stays up to four hours in short-stay car parks.
Parking in long-stay car parks and spaces will cost £3 for the first four hours; stays of between four and six hours will be £4; and stays of more than six hours will be £5.
Season tickets will be available and apply to individual car parks. Weekly tickets will be £20; monthly tickets will be £75; a six-monthly ticket will be £435; and annual tickets will be £840. Season tickets can be purchased via the MiPermit website.
South Gloucestershire Cabinet Councillor Sean Rhodes, said: “The scheme we are introducing is simple and relatively cheap compared to neighbouring authorities. It doesn’t apply to all car parks, but where it does apply, the money we bring in will help protect essential services.
“I’ve no doubt there will be a period of adjustment for some drivers, but I expect that most car owners already have several parking apps on their smartphones and are used to paying for parking almost everywhere they go.
“The cashless system will also allow users to use their smartphone or payment card to make contactless payments. And for those who prefer or don’t have a smartphone, they will be able to pay by making a phone call. The way the system will work has been the subject of detailed conversations with a range of stakeholders, businesses groups and town and parish councils in the areas affected, and we thank them for their constructive engagement to develop a scheme that will work for our area.”
Warning after scheme targeted with fake QR codes
With the launch of the off-street parking payment scheme in South Gloucestershire, motorists are being warned to be careful of scams linked to fraudulent QR codes being placed on parking payment machines and signage that has been installed in some car parks.
South Gloucestershire Council’s parking scheme does not use QR codes. Payment can be made safely and securely by using the MiPermit app, MiPermit website or via the automated payment line on 0345 520 7007.
Unfortunately, it is a scam to direct people to cloned websites which request credit or payment card details and other personal data.
A small number of suspect stickers have already been found on the new machines and signs that have been installed in the 22 car parks where charging has been introduced. These have been removed by council officers.
People using the car parks are being asked to remember to only use the approved payment methods and to never scan a QR code if they see one in a council car park.
South Gloucestershire Council Cabinet Member for Communities and Local Place, Cllr Sean Rhodes, said: “Our staff will continue to be vigilant in looking for any evidence of tampering with our parking payment machines, including removing any stickers added near to payment instructions.”