Town centre free parking promotion to continue until council election in May

The future of free parking promotions could become an issue for the ballot box in May.

Currently all council run car parks in the town centre, except Tŷ Pawb, are free to use after 11am (with some time limits) as part of an extended special promotion from Wrexham Council.

The council had scrapped charges during the pandemic as a supporting move for the community, and then gradually moved back to a promotion that has seen free parking after 11am with the stated aim of “encouraging visitors to the town centre to support town centre traders”.

We asked the Leader of the Council about future plans for the free parking promotion, if it has been a success, and had that been reflected in an increase in footfall.

Leader of Wrexham Council Mark Pritchard told us, “We have asked for the feedback with regards to the footfall increase, and we’re waiting for that.

“I believe there has been a big increase of footfall in the town centre, and you can see it yourself actually when you walk around there. I’m really pleased people are coming to take advantage of the free parking after 11 o’clock.

“That promotes Wrexham, it promotes the town center, it also helps and support local businesses.

“What we’ve done as an administration is we have continued to give free parking, we are having political discussions, and we have had a political discussions, and nothing will change now until after the election. We will continue to give the free parking away after 11 o’clock.”

“Obviously, after May next year, the new administration will have to make a decision on what they will do.”

“But, we are here to help, to support, promoting the town and to help the businesses within the town centre and further afield.”

Note this promotion does not apply to privately run car parks such as Eagles Meadow or Island Green – nor the Council owned Tŷ Pawb carpark.

Also be aware time limits are in place in the short stay car parks will apply and should be observed – with the council saying fines will be issued to vehicles staying longer than permitted in short stay car parks.

The people of Wrexham will get a chance to vote for their councillors again in just 33 weeks time, who could then form up various alliances, parties and groups to create a decision making administration to steer the council over the coming years.