Car parking charges come into force at Snuff Mills, Blaise Castle Estate and Oldbury Court Estate

A normally-busy car park at a Bristol park was looking sparse today (March 3) as parking charges came into force.

There had been showers earlier in the day and it was a week day, but at lunchtime only a few cars were parked at Snuff Mills car park in Stapleton where a ticket machine is now in use.

Bristol City Council say the parking charges, which have also been enforced today at the main Blaise Castle car park off Kings Weston Road and at Oldbury Court Estate, will raise money to introduce events and maintain the areas.

Between 9am and 6pm, visitors will now have to pay up £1 for up to one hour, £2 for up to two hours and £3 for up to five hours, when previously they were able to park up for free.

People can pay by coins or by using a mobile app called RingGo.

Those caught parking without a ticket could receive a fine of up to £70, or have their vehicle towed away, according to a notice next to the ticket machine.

The city council has also been painting double yellow lines in nearby residential areas to stop areas being flooded by visitors attempting to dodge costs.

At Blaise Castle and Oldbury Court car parks, overflow parking may be implemented at busy times, and these will also be subject to the same charges as the main car parks.

Exemptions will in place for blue badge holders and motorbikes and for minibuses and coaches, alternative charges will apply.

Councillor Ellie King, cabinet member for public health and communities, said: “These new charges will contribute to making the funds available to maintain what we have and, where we can, expand that offer by improving facilities and introducing more events.

“We’ve also taken steps to help mitigate the impact on residential areas near these parks and will enforce parking restrictions in the area to protect all from obstructive parking.

“We’d love to see an increase in people choosing to walk, cycle and take public transport to our parks where they can, and for those who choose to drive there will be well maintained car parking facilities.”