NEW parking charges have been announced for council-run car parks in Ellesmere Port.

While the ‘Free After 3’ is conspicuous in its absence, tariffs have generally decreased for hours before 3pm.

The new charges will come into effect on Thursday, April 5 this year.

Cheshire West and Chester Council (CWaC) says the changes will “help support short stay parking in central car parks and encourage longer stay parking at the town’s outer facilities”.

This will see simplified, reduced rates being implemented, which are easier to understand, bosses claim.

In summary, the changes are:

• Town centre – maintain current tariff (weekdays)

• Civic centre – increased long stay rate to regulate demand and ensure availability

• Shrewsbury Road - cheaper tariff for stays up to four hours and for longer stays (over four hours)

• Wellington Road North – cheaper tariff to encourage demand

• Westminster – cheaper up to four hours

A flat rate of 50 pence all day on Saturdays will be introduced across all car parks, which is cheaper than the current rate in all car parks for stays above two hours. The town centre car park will still be subject to a four hour limit.

Daily public parking charges in other car parks, namely, Civic Way service road and Marina Drive, will remain unchanged.

Disabled Blue Badge holders will continue to be able to park without charge at all locations for four hours on any day.

Council chiefs say the notice is part of an action plan to ensure parking in Ellesmere Port is “fit for purpose and positively contributes to the town’s economy”.

The plan, designed to better manage car parking demand across the town, is part of the CWaC 15-year parking strategy.

Cabinet member for environment, Cllr Karen Shore, said: “With this action plan for Ellesmere Port we are introducing the right offers in the right places to encourage visitors, improving disabled provision, and reducing congestion and air pollution.

“We are supporting residents, businesses and the visitor economy and as the strategy is implemented in Ellesmere Port parking will become easier and more accessible for everyone.”

In full, the changes to parking charges are:

Civic Centre – 8am to 6pm.

Existing charges: Arrivals before 3pm: Up to 2 hours – 50p; Up to 4 hours – 70p; Up to 6 hours – £1.00; Over 6 hours – £1.50; Arrivals after 3pm: Free.

New charges: Monday to Friday: Up to 2 hours – 50p; 2 to 4 hours – 70p; Over 4 hours – £2; Saturday and Sunday: All day – 50p.

Shrewsbury Road – 8am to 6pm.

Existing charges: Arrivals before 3pm: Up to 2 hours – 50p; Up to 4 hours – 70p; Over 4 hours – £3.00; Arrivals after 3pm: Free.

New charges: Monday to Friday: Up to 4 hours – 50p; Over 4 hours - £1; Saturday and Sunday: All day – 50p.

Town Centre – 8am to 6pm.

Existing charges: Arrivals before 3pm: Up to 2 hours – 50p; Up to 4 hours – 70p; Arrivals after 3pm: Free.

New charges: Monday to Friday: Up to 2 hours – 50p; Up to 4 hours – 70p; Saturday and Sunday: Up to 4 hours – 50p.

Wellington Road – 8am to 6pm.

Existing charges: Arrivals before 3pm: Up to 2 hours – 50p; Over 2 hours – £1.00; Arrivals after 3pm: Free.

New charges: Monday to Sunday: All day – 50p.

Westminster – 8am to 6pm.

Existing charges: Arrivals before 3pm: Up to 2 hours – 50p; Over 2 hours – £1.00; Arrivals after 3pm: Free.

New charges: Monday to Friday: Up to 4 hours – 50p; Over 4 hours - £1; Saturday and Sunday: All day – 50p.