Breaking news: District Council announces new car parking plans for East Lindsey

New car parking proposals have been drawn up to put forward to the executive board at East Lindsey District Council.

The council says the policy will aim to ensure parking provision will support local economies throughout the district - from inland towns to coastal resorts.

Car parking fees currently generate £1.7m in income per year, which equates to 10 per cent of the district council’s budget for providing services.

The new proposals follow a comprehensive review including a public consultation.

Discussions were also held with the town and parish councils.

In a presentation to the media this afternoon (Friday), the council said town centres were performing well and experiencing lower vacancy rates than othetr regional and national high streets.

The council adds Spilsby is the only town in the district with a vacancy rate above the national average.

The most significant shift in the proposals is a move away from the ‘one size fits all’ policy.

The council is recommending car parking arrangements in communities are updated to reflect the importance of ‘local trading conditions and user experiences’.

Included in the proposals is the plan for Louth, Horncastle and Alford to have 30 minutes’ free parking in town centres.

Free parking all-day is also being put forward to remain at Louth Cattle Market.

There are also proposals to introduce reduced tariffs for longer stays in Louth which councillors say will encourage shoppers to remain in the town centre for longer.

There is also set to be a wider choice of tariffs for parking in Mablethorpe and Skegness.

ELDC is also proposing to introduce a winter parking charge between November and February on the coast.

The council adds it is committed to no overnight parking charges.

It is also looking to trial a new ‘check in, check out’ payment machine.

This machine will allow drivers to use a smart-phone - and to pay for any additional parking time without the need to return to the car park.

The trial is set to take place this summer at the Festival car park in Skegness.

ELDC’s Portfolio Holder for Rural Economy, Councillor Adam Grist said: “We have listened closely to the views of local people and visitors and considered all responses put forward.

“We’re all very excited by the check in and check out trial because we want to embrace technology.

“It’s great to start thinking about each individual town and its own needs.

“A great deal of thought has gone into these proposals.”

Portfolio holder for Coastal Economy, Coun Steve Kirk said: “I am very pleased this report responds to the direct conversations we have been having with our coastal business community and specifically addresses their requests for no overnight charges.”

If the proposals are accepted by the executive board, the changes will be implemented for a 12-month period.

If, after that time frame, policies aren’t working, the council says it can look at making further changes.

To read the parking policy, visit: www.e-lindsey.gov.uk/parkingpolicy