Ludlow Town Council has raised strong objections to the current parking bandings applied in the town, describing them as disproportionately high for a community of its size.

The Council warns that the proposed increases in parking charges will have a severe and detrimental impact on Ludlow’s economy, accessibility, and vitality. Ludlow is a small market town with a population of fewer than 11,000, yet it faces parking charges on par with much larger urban areas.

Ludlow Town Council has called on Shropshire Council to urgently review the current system, highlighting that no other Shropshire town, apart from the county town of Shrewsbury (population over 76,000), has Band 2 on-street parking charges. Larger towns such as Bridgnorth, Oswestry, and Market Drayton do not have Band 2 parking rates.

“There is simply no justification for charging Ludlow at Band 2 levels,” a Council spokesperson said. “These charges are out of proportion and risk damaging the local economy, discouraging visitors, and undermining our vibrant market town.”

To ensure fair and proportionate charges, Ludlow Town Council is calling for the following changes:

·         Reduce on-street parking charges from Band 2 to Band 3

·         Reduce Castle Street car park charges from Band 3 to Band 4

·         Reduce on-street (Blue Zone) charges from Band 4 to Band 5

Ludlow Town Council urges Shropshire Council to act swiftly to bring parking charges in line with those of comparable sized towns across the county.