Shropshire Council's Cabinet will consider a parking review on 14 October 2026 that proposes Sunday buses in Shrewsbury for the first time in over a decade, alongside increases to parking charges across the county's market towns.
The review examines how parking affects residential areas and proposes changes to parking bands, charges and charging hours. It aims to balance income from parking with Shropshire's draft Local Transport Plan, which seeks to encourage sustainable travel and reduce town centre congestion.
Proposed Changes to Parking Hours and Charges
Charging hours would extend from 8am to 6pm to 8am to 8pm for bands 1 to 4 car parks and parking areas. In band 2, the current half-rate tariff on Sundays and bank holidays would be removed, with full tariff applying instead. Band 4 would see charging extended to Sundays and bank holidays at half-rate.
Proposed hourly tariffs include: Band 1 (Shrewsbury on-street) rising from £3.60 to £4.80; Band 2 from £2.80 to £3.80; Band 3 from £1.40 to £2.00; and Band 4 from £1.20 to £1.00. Band 5 and 6 rates remain unchanged at 70p and 40p respectively, while Band 7 parking remains free. Minimum purchase periods, maximum charges, charging days and hours vary between locations.
Abbey Foregate car park in Shrewsbury would move from Band 5 to Band 4, with hourly tariff increasing from 70p to £1. Frankwell Car Park tariff would reduce from £1.20 to £1 an hour. Shirehall Overflow in Shrewsbury would move from Band 5 to Band 6, reducing from 70p to 40p per hour. St Mary's Lane in Much Wenlock would also move to Band 6 at 40p per hour.
On-street parking would remain free for blue badge holders.
Sunday Park and Ride Service
The review proposes introduction of a Sunday park and ride service in Shrewsbury. An evening park and ride service is due to start on 1 November 2026. Revenue from parking charges would be reinvested into maintenance and improvements to the council's transport services and local road improvements.
Public Consultation and Timeline
Cabinet is being asked to approve a consultation into the proposed changes. All consultation responses will be considered before any changes are implemented. No changes would be introduced before Christmas.
A consultation on Shropshire's draft Local Transport Plan 2027-37 runs from 5 October to 16 November 2026.