Car park charge review could take months

It won't be until January next year at the earliest before a review into car park charges in Newtown is completed.

Despite pressure from businesses, councillors and others, Powys County Council has maintained the significant increase and changes to car parking at the Back Lane and Gravel car parks, as well as all others in the county.

"The Powys County Council car park review will begin later this month with the first meeting of the cross-party group scheduled for Thursday 26 October," said a statement.

"Alongside a politically balanced membership of councillors, the review group will also include representatives from town councils and local businesses where car parks are sited. The review will be led by an independent, impartial consultant."
                                                                                                                                                                                                                               Cllr Jackie Charlton, Cabinet Member for a Greener Powys, said: “This cross-party car park review is long overdue, and we are pleased to be able to finally get things moving asap.

“As well as car parking charges, the review will consider how best to manage all the council’s car parks, town centre footfall, the impacts and benefits of local active travel schemes, available resources, and the needs of the local communities.

“Following discussions at full council meetings and elsewhere, we understand the urgency to get this review underway and we aim to seek a prompt conclusion and report back by the end of January 2024.”