Morecambe BID manager speaks out on car parking fees shake-up

Thursday, 7 April 2022 11:12

By Greg Lambert @greglam72

The manager of Morecambe BID has spoken out on a shake-up of car parking fees as he predicted "another busy season" for the town.

John O'Neill said he welcomed Lancaster City Council's plans to streamline car parking tariffs across the district, starting on Monday April 11.

Mr O'Neill also reassured residents and visitors who may be worried about a new three-hour maximum stay tariff to be introduced in some council-owned car parks in Morecambe.

And he said permits would be available for business owners who may want to park all day.

LISTEN NOW to John O'Neill talking about optimism for the new season in Morecambe and his views on the car parking fees shake-up:

"I think we have to realise now that Morecambe is not a retail destination, Lancaster is more of a retail destination than Morecambe is," he said.

"The tariff rationalisation is probably welcome."

Mr O'Neill (pictured) also pointed out that motorists could use the online RingGo cashless app to 'top up' their car parking ticket.

"People can use RingGo, so even if you are in a three-hour car park, you can extend online and you won't get fined," he said.

"It's not going to be a car park where you have to leave it there for three hours.

"Businesses can get permits for car parks which means that they can park in there for less cost for a whole day.

"Hospitality businesses and hotels will be able to get more permits for their customers.

"So there is a lot of good news in there."

Find out more about the car parking price changes here.

Mr O'Neill said there was a "good sense of optimism" in Morecambe town centre ahead of the 2022 season.

"I think we are in for another busy season," he said.

"There are more staycations, we're seeing chaos at the airports at the moment.

"People have now got that taste of Morecambe and the British seaside."

Mr O'Neill manages Morecambe BID (Business Improvement District), a business-funded body formed to improve a specific area of Morecambe town centre.

Meanwhile Lancaster City Council has added some extra new car parking tariffs after feedback from local businesses.

As a result, an additional 6pm – 8am tariff of £4 will be introduced in car parks across Lancaster and Morecambe, effective from May.

The council has also added a £5 for five hours tariff on the St Leonardgate car parks in Lancaster.

For those who use city council car parks regularly there are a number of options available that are more cost-effective and include seven day, one month, three month and 12 month RingGo Session permits.

A Lancaster City Council spokesperson said: "This easy and convenient cashless method of parking, which also has an app, not only allows people to pay for their parking from the comfort of their cars and avoid queuing at ticket machines, but also offers car park users the flexibility of being able to top up their parking time by phone wherever they are.

"Text reminders are received when it’s about to run out so is perfect for people on-the-go.

"Five-day permits are also available and mean being able to park in Lancaster from as little as £2.23 a day, or £1.37 in Morecambe."

More information on RingGo is available at the RingGo website here.

For more information on the changes, their rationale and information on how to purchase a permit see the Lancaster City Council website here.

On Air Now

Now Playing

Morecambe BID manager speaks out on car parking fees shake-up

More from Local News

Recently Played Songs

Up next on Beyond Radio

Download our Official Apps

On Air Now

Morecambe BID manager speaks out on car parking fees shake-up

Share

More from Local News

Recently Played Songs

Up next on Beyond Radio

Download our Official Apps