A RAFT of changes to improve car parking services in the Cotswolds are to be discussed at a meeting of the district council's cabinet.

The proposals include introducing a new off-peak "plus" ticket to allow parking for both off peak periods and all day at weekends in any car park at a proposed charge of £50 per year; introducing a £2 all day tariff at the car parks in Old Market Way, Moreton-in-Marsh; at car parks where Sunday charges apply, reduce the 8am to 6pm charging period to a 10am to 4pm period, to better reflect retail activity; and commission a study investigating the introduction of alternative payment mechanisms in all car parks.

The meeting takes place on December 4 and If approved, the changes will come into effect on March 1 next year.

Commenting on the proposals, Councillor Chris Hancock, cabinet member for parking issues said: “We think that the £50 per year off peak ‘plus’ ticket will be welcomed by residents faced with no resident parking zones or in streets with high parking demand - as well as bringing benefits to regular shoppers and those who only work at weekends.

“We’ve already installed new electronic vehicle charging points at Moreton and Cirencester and they will be up and running in December. Additionally, all the car parks now have digital pay and display machines which accept multiple coins, debit and credit cards and payment options via a mobile phone, allowing the user to top up their car parking stay remotely, while shopping and away from their vehicle. We also want to investigate other quick and easy payment options such as ‘pay on foot’ - which automatically calculates the amount of time spent in a car park and issues a ticket enabling exit via a barrier – and automatic number plate recognition systems.”

Council leader Councillor Lynden Stowe will be giving his full support to the proposals next week: “We are mindful of the need to keep down costs for car park users and have already pledged to freeze all car parking charges until at least 2016, as well as introducing several price reductions and offers over the last few years, including weekly off-peak season tickets and the popular £2 all day parking fee at the Beeches car park in Cirencester. I believe that these latest proposals will bring even more benefits for residents, businesses, working people and shoppers across the district. We are also hoping that the new measures will enhance the visitor experience and increase the time spent in our market towns.”