Council U-turn on plans to enforce three-hour maximum stay at car parks (2025)

The authority has backtracked on plans to penalise overstayers at several locations across the borough

A council has abandoned plans to enforce a three-hour stay limit in several car parks. Bolton council has for many years chosen not to enforce any penalties on those parking longer than three hours at many free car parks in towns such as Farnworth and Horwich.

Last month, the council said that from the start of April, those parking for longer than the three-hour period would be liable to be hit with penalty notices. Enforcement would have affected car parks such as the 68-space Higher Market Street car park in Farnworth town centre and the 70-space area in the centre of Horwich on St John’s Street.

In March, a spokesman for Bolton council said: “From April, parking restrictions will be enforced due to the approval of the council’s budget report.” The decision sparked a backlash from some councillors, as well as residents and town centre workers and businesses, some of whom have enjoyed free long-stay parking at the sites for decades.

However, at a meeting this week, a decision was made to reverse the plans, the council have confirmed. It said the plans for car park enforcement in the budget, estimated to raise £4,000, were being taken out of savings proposals.

An email from the authority, sent to a council member, has been seen by the Local Democracy Reporting Service. It said: “I can confirm the decision to remove the proposal to enforce traffic regulation orders on all car parks, including those in district centres.”

Bolton West MP Phil Brickell, set up a petition opposing the changes at his office on Winter Hey Lane, Horwich. He said: “I’m delighted that common sense has prevailed and a three hour restriction will not be enforced.

“Many local businesses rely on these car parks for their staff and customers.”Enforcing the three hour limit would have made it more difficult for people to do their shopping or grab a bite to eat.

“The knock-on effect for local residents would also have been unacceptable. “Many of the side roads within Horwich have double yellow lines meaning that residents need to use the car parks.

“Enforcing these parking measures would also have meant displacing cars to outside homes.” Horwich independent councillor Charlotte Moncado-Sears had challenged the council’s position on enforcement, claiming there had been a lack of consultation on the issue.

She said: “It’s a major success and relief for district centres like Horwich that this decision has been made. “Many people who work in Horwich town centre use these spaces.

“On the flip side, people sometimes get frustrated when they can’t park for shorter stays because spaces are full. “It’s all about balance as there are competing interests.

“I think if we are going to discuss enforcement we need consultation where businesses and stakeholders can give their views. “For instance, making one car park short stay wouldn’t necessarily ruin Horwich.”

Bolton Council have confirmed their change in position on three-hour car park enforcement, without adding further comment.