Businesses and residents in Ludlow have criticised planned increases to parking charges, describing them as unfair and damaging to the town’s economy.
From 3 November, on-street parking in the Band Two “red zone” areas of Ludlow will rise to £2.80 an hour, including on Sundays and Bank Holidays.
Shropshire Council says the increase the first since 2022 is part of a county-wide review designed to raise revenue for road maintenance and transport improvements.
“It’s killing trade,” says Mill Street gallery owner
One of the most affected areas will be Mill Street, where hourly parking will increase by 80p.
Local gallery owner Glenn Rowles said the rise will further deter shoppers and tourists.
“In places like the Cotswolds, locals get an hour free to do their shopping,” he said.
“Here, when the road closes for events at the castle, my trade already drops now I’m getting even fewer customers. Most of them end up with tickets. There should be a 10-minute grace period, but the warden told me it’s only five.”
Market traders also concerned
Wendy Woodward, who runs a cheese stall at Ludlow Market, said parking has long been a problem.
“When they took the town hall down, why didn’t they turn the space into a car park?” she asked.
“There’s just nowhere for people to stop, and higher prices will put even more locals off coming into town.”
Town council voices frustration
The proposals were discussed at Ludlow Town Council’s meeting on 20 October.
Local estate agent Mark Wiggin, who owns a business in Bull Ring, told councillors that temporary parking concessions elsewhere had proven successful.
“In Salisbury, after the nerve agent incident in 2018, parking charges were suspended for six months to help the local economy,” he said.
“It went from an empty car park to completely full. I’m trying to sell this town to people, but we’re going backwards.”
Councillors expressed anger at the way Ludlow had been grouped with Shrewsbury in the council’s pricing review.
Councillor Tim Gill said he had been told “it was a done deal”, while Councillor Katherine Howell added that Ludlow was “being penalised” and the increases were “unfair”.
Councillor Ian Scott Bell said:
“We’ve heard talk of Ludlow being a satellite town to Shrewsbury we’re clearly being targeted.”
Councillor Pete Addis agreed, saying:
“High streets are struggling everywhere in the country. £2.80 an hour is too much.”
Next steps
Town councillors voted to ask Shropshire Council to review Ludlow’s parking bands and reduce the charges.
If approved, the new fees will still take effect in November while discussions continue.
