Free Cannock on-street parking may go

Shoppers using on-street parking bays in Cannock town centre will be charged 60p for every half hour, under plans which would rake in more than £150,000 a year.

Drivers can currently park for free but must leave within 20 minutes at 37 bays in Market Place, Church Street, High Green and Queen Street.

The new parking charge is part of proposals to introduce an extra 23 bays across the district, boosting total on-street provision to 60 spaces.

Existing 'no waiting' zones at a further four sites could be converted to paid parking if a pilot scheme proves successful, creating the additional bays. They are opposite the town library in Manor Avenue, near the bus depot in Stafford Road, outside the police station in Wolverhampton Road and adjacent to Morrisons in Mill Street.

Staffordshire County Council officers are recommending the 60p fee should initially be introduced at a strip of 12 spaces outside Lloyds TSB in Market Place.

The initiative could eventually be extended to Hednesford and Rugeley, a report due to be considered by the county council's joint parking committee next week states.

Officers estimate the charge would generate £169,000 a year in revenue if rolled out in Cannock town centre, with running costs of £15,600. Installing signs and ticket machines would cost around £45,000, giving a potential first year profit of £108,000.

Subsequent years could generate £153,000.

Cannock Shopping Centre manager Natal Chapman said traders could benefit, but questioned the 60p rate.

"While I don't necessarily agree with the payment structure – 60p for half an hour is quite a lot of money – if it does mean people can park for longer I think it will be a positive."

By Mark Mudie