Parking charges could come in at Maes y Dre in Welshpool

Welshpool Town Council’s operations and development committee is to consider introducing fees at Maes y Dre Recreation Ground after a rise in demand for spaces.

The committee will discuss the proposal at a meeting of the council's operations and development committee on Wednesday, September 9, but no final decision will be made at this stage.

Instead, councillors will be asked to commission a full investigation and business case exploring the potential introduction of charges.

The study would cover both the main car park and the area in front of the bowling club.

The report would look at possible tariffs and free-parking periods, projected income, business rates, enforcement, legal obligations, signage and equipment costs, and the risk of displacement to nearby roads or land.

The idea was last considered in May 2025 but rejected at the time, but after daily occupancy rose from about 17 spaces to nearer 30, the issue is back on the table.

A CCTV camera installed in July has helped officers better understand how the car park is used.

Parking at Maes y Dre is used by recreation ground visitors as well as town centre workers, sports club members, parents and carers on the school run, and users of a nearby nursery.

Officers believe fees could discourage long-stay parking and improve availability for people using the site’s facilities.

But they recognise the potential impact on regular community users.

The council’s agenda report states that the key question is whether charges would improve space management while generating enough net income to justify the operational and reputational risks.

It also warns that introducing fees at a site used by families, sports clubs and community facilities could lead to public opposition if not handled sensitively.

One option under consideration is a substantial free-parking period, possibly up to two hours, followed by a single all-day charge.

Officers believe this could protect most community users while discouraging all-day parking by others.

Charging only one of the two car parks is not considered viable, as it would likely lead to displacement into the other area.

The committee will also explore enforcement options, including using new by-laws to allow fixed penalty notices to be issued, or hiring a third-party provider using automated number plate recognition (ANPR) technology.

However, the report notes that ANPR would involve processing personal data.

Officers recommend consulting with sports clubs, the nursery, the school, and other affected users before any final proposal is developed.

A further report would then be brought to councillors before a decision is made on whether to introduce charges or sign an enforcement contract.

The proposal forms part of the council’s wider plans for open space management and three-year budget planning.