New charges begin across nine town car parks

New fees for people parking in previously free car parks have been introduced.

Slough Borough Council introduced the charges at nine sites across the Berkshire town on Monday, following a public consultation last year.

Motorists will be entitled to free parking periods ranging from two to four hours at each car park, after which they must pay for additional time via the RingGo app.

The council's parking chief Paul Kelly said the new fees "hope to put a stop to those taking advantage of our car parks for free commuter or business parking", which "takes up valuable space".

He said any income raised by the new charges would be "put back into the parking service" around Slough.

"We are still offering a generous free parking period, which should ensure people have long enough to enjoy our parks and leisure sites," he added.

The new charges apply to car parks at Salt Hill Park, Slough Ice Arena, Langley Leisure Centre, Upton Court Park, Lascelles Park, Cippenham Recreation Ground, Harvey Park, Manor Park Recreation Ground, as well as the Centre car park.

All of the sites include periods of free parking, some of which were extended following last year's consultation.

Those parking at the sites will still need to activate their free period entitlement through RingGo or over the phone using the number displayed on signs.

Following the free period, people will need to revisit the parking app to pay for additional hours.

Nursery staff working at affected sites have been given free staff permits, the council explained, adding that it was also in discussion with other community groups to "work out solutions on a case-by-case basis".