Cosford museum to charge for parking

Parking charges are being introduced at RAF Cosford museum for the first time in its history, it was revealed today. Drivers will be charged £2 for three hours.

It is being introduced to help pay for the running of the tourist attraction.

Bosses said the charges for the museum, which this year celebrated its 30th anniversary, would also boost coffers to help maintain its national collection of aeroplanes and displays.

Motorists parking at the museum will be charged £2 to stay for up to three hours. A £3 charge will be introduced for drivers parking from three to eight hours.

The museum's trustees have agreed to bring in the charges, which will come into force from August 1.

Museum spokeswoman Michelle Worthington said: "The income generated will be used to assist in meeting the costs of maintaining the museum's national collection and of operating its sites.

"Free admission to the museum will continue as normal."

The new charge is set to generate thousands of pounds for the museum, which annually hosts a number of popular events and attractions including RAF Cosford Air Show, which this year attracted a record-breaking 58,000-strong crowd.