September 16, 2014 5.15 pm This story is over 126 months old

Lincoln council looks at plan for on-street parking charges

Coping with demand: The City Council wants to introduce charges for on-street parking in uphill Lincoln as part of its future car parking strategy.

The City of Lincoln Council is looking at introducing charges for on-street car parking in uphill Lincoln and other streets as part of its future car parking strategy.

The council believes the free on-street parking spaces offered around the city, particularly in the Bailgate, reduce revenue to the council from its other car parks in the area.

The on-street car parking charges would require a partnership with Lincolnshire County Council, who are the authority responsible for the highways.

Previous proposals to implement on-street car parking charges in Lincoln were rejected by the City Council Executive Committee in 2011.

However, this time around the council believe it has a strong case for on-street parking charges, as this proposal could provide a significant income stream, which could be used to help deliver other initiatives — like a park and ride.

Also included in the plan are two potential new multi-storey car parks, on Tentercroft Street and possibly on the Lindongate site behind Sincil Street.

City of Lincoln Council’s Executive Committee will consider the Car Parking Strategy and evidence base at its meeting on Monday, September 22. The report is recommended for approval.

An action plan details how parking priorities and policies will be delivered over the next five years.

Councillor Ric Metcalfe, Leader of the City Council, said: “The city is growing and car parking is an important issue, not only for people who live in Lincoln but for those who visit and work here.

“Lincoln is a historic city and we can’t keep building more car parks as it will change the look of our city beyond recognition.

“At the same time, we must ensure Lincoln remains to be accessible, to encourage and support businesses and to keep attracting visitors to see all that the city has to offer.

“While our short term aim is to make a small increase to the supply of car parking, our longer term aspiration is to have a park and ride system in operation and encourage people to use more sustainable forms of transport.”

The council currently operates 20 car parks with around 2,496 spaces in its boundary.