New parking charges proposed across Wiltshire following consultation
Several initial plans amended based on public feedback
Wiltshire Council has announced a new set of proposed changes to parking charges across the county, following a thorough public consultation that garnered 1,762 responses.
The revised plan, which is subject to the statutory decision call-in process, reflects the feedback from residents, businesses, and local councils.
The council initially suggested a 20% rise in parking charges in 2026 and a further 5% rise in 2028, along with extending parking charges from 7am to 7pm.
Additionally, they proposed aligning Sunday charges with weekday tariffs and reintroducing Sunday on-street parking charges in Salisbury, among other adjustments.
However, taking into consideration the consultation responses, Wiltshire Council has modified several of the original plans.
Changes include maintaining Sunday charging hours to start at 10am, boosting pay and display parking charges by 20%, rounding to the nearest 10p to adjust to inflation rates, and increasing season ticket and permit charges accordingly.
Charging hours will extend to 7am-7pm in short-stay car parks, while long-stay car parks will retain the current 8am-6pm.
Sunday on-street parking charges in Salisbury will not be reintroduced.
The council plans to align Sunday tariffs with weekday charges in short-stay car parks only while keeping a day-rate structure in long-stay car parks, apart from Dunns Lane car park in Castle Combe.
Selected council-owned car parks will see weekend charges introduced, such as those around County Hall in Trowbridge and the Bridge Centre in Chippenham.
Cross Hayes in Malmesbury and Marlborough High Street will not see the introduction of Sunday charging.
Councillor Martin Smith, Cabinet Member for Highways, highlighted the significant public engagement during the consultation and the council's responsiveness to feedback.
Smith emphasised the importance of updating parking charges, which have remained unchanged since 2022, and the balance sought between supporting local centres and efficiently managing parking.
Income from parking aids in maintaining essential services and supports transport infrastructure across Wiltshire, including the rural bus network.
The proposed changes have been outlined following consultation on amendments to parking Traffic Regulation Orders, held from 9th April to 5th May 2026.