Parking charges being introduced at parks and leisure sites

Car parking charges will apply in parks and leisure car parks, after an initial free period, from 27 April.

A consultation about the parking charges ran from 12 September to 3 October.

Feedback from the consultation was considered when setting the final scheme, and some of the car parks will have longer free periods as a result.

The free periods for each car park are:

•    Salt Hill Park Car Park (4 hours free, increased from 3 initially proposed)      
•    Slough Ice Arena Car Park (4 hours free, increased from 3 initially proposed)
•    Langley Leisure Centre Car Park (3 hours free)
•    The Centre Car Park (3 hours free) 
•    Upton Court Park Car Park (3 hours free, increased from 2 initially proposed)
•    Lascelles Park Car Park (3 hours free, increased from 2 initially proposed)
•    Cippenham Recreation Ground Car Park (2 hours free)
•    Harvey Park Car Park (2 hours free)
•    Manor Park Recreation Ground Car Park (2 hours free).

There will be a no return period within two hours.

Nursery staff working at affected sites will be given staff permits and the parking team has had discussions with other groups including Upton Scouts and Cippenham Bowls Club to work out solutions on a case-by-case basis.

Councillor Paul Kelly, lead member for planning, parking, highways and transport, said: “We are still offering a generous free parking period, which should ensure people have long enough to enjoy our parks and leisure sites.  

“By introducing the charges, we hope to put a stop to those taking advantage of our car parks for free commuter or business parking, which takes up valuable spaces for those wanting to use the amenities. Any income from the new charges will be put back into the parking service.

“We have had discussions with a variety of community groups and organisations, who requested exceptions or permits for their group or staff, and we have come up with a variety of solutions to suit each case. We listened and adapted our plans based on feedback.”

Payments after the free period can be made by RingGo over the phone or through the app. For anyone who cannot pay by RingGo, they can pay by cash or card at a Paypoint location, using the car park code.

Lining works have been completed in all car parks. Advanced warning signs have been installed and the RingGo signs and tariffs boards will be installed in all the affected car parks, before the charges begin on 27 April.

In readiness for the charges, residents can download the RingGo app anytime to create an account and add their vehicle.