PARKING charges will be reintroduced in Hereford as lockdown restrictions look set to ease further next week.

Herefordshire Council said car parking charges will come back into force from Monday (June 15) as non-essential retail stores are expected to be given the green light to reopen.

On March 24 car parking charges were suspended across the county and a council spokesperson said the focus of parking enforcement has been on tackling unsafe parking, providing free parking for NHS workers and supporting the police to enforce social distancing.

Justifying reintroducing the charges, the council said the need for good parking management is now greater than ever as the economy recovers, and businesses rely on the population returning to the high streets.

The demand for parking is expected to increase significantly as the lockdown eases, and charges are required to effectively manage parking and vehicle movements.

The country bus station car park in Hereford will remain free for NHS staff so that they can continue to be supported, while work is ongoing in relation to their future parking requirements.

Holders of a resident parking permit that has expired or is due to expire, are advised to submit an application if they haven’t already done so.

Councillor John Harrington, cabinet member for infrastructure and transport, said: “Parking charges are an essential element in our towns and city centres where demand for parking space requires careful management.

"Throughout this crisis Herefordshire Council took the decision to temporarily suspend charges to allow key workers and those going about their essential business to do so without worrying about purchasing a ticket.

“As we return to work, there will inevitably be an increase in car traffic, and it is therefore more important than ever that we park considerately and comply with parking regulations to ensure goods and services can be delivered, and parking spaces are available to all.

“We would like to thank motorists for parking sensibly during the Covid-19 lockdown, and it is important that we keep up the good work. We encourage people to choose active modes of travel, such as cycling and walking, wherever possible.”