REDUCED car parking charges will come into force in the Cotswolds in the spring.

Cotswold District Council’s (CDC) Cabinet agreed a package of reductions to several car parking tariffs and a cheaper season ticket option at their meeting yesterday.

Cabinet members agreed to reduce the cost of parking for motorists in Moreton, which will bring them in line with fees in Tetbury.

Changes will come into force April 1.

Councillors agreed to extend a 50p short stay charge to all CDC car parks including the Rissington Road car park, in Bourton, and the Maugersbury Road car park, in Stow.

They also decided to introduce a new £288 annual five-hours per day parking permit which will reduce the cost of parking to about £1 a day over a five day week.

Lynden Stowe, leader of CDC, said: “This is a good day for the Cotswolds and shows we’re very much open for business.”

“Aside from freezing car parking charges for the next three years we have now introduced a more flexible pricing system.

“There are benefits across the district – I am sure, for instance, that local people, shoppers and visitors will welcome the introduction of the 50p half hour charge in Bourton, Moreton, Stow and Tetbury.”

Cabinet Member for the Environment, Councillor David Fowles, added: “I have already noted the good reception to these changes from the public and the media when they were at the proposal stage, and I’m delighted that we have now approved them.”