Around half of the free 20-minute parking spaces on Commercial Road in Swindon town centre would go under proposals reported by Swindon24 on Wednesday 29 July 2026. Both Reform UK and the council's Conservative administration backed removing the bays on the northern side of the road.
What was proposed?
- Remove the bays on the northern side and keep the free bays on the southern side.
- Review the remaining spaces to improve visibility and road safety.
- Consider planters or other measures to discourage pavement parking.
- Free 20-minute spaces would fall from around 35 to roughly half that number.
The free bays were introduced under an experimental traffic order, meant to help local businesses and to deal with illegal pavement parking. Both groups said the layout had created safety concerns, particularly for drivers leaving nearby car parks. Reform UK said its motion was based on a public survey of residents, businesses and road users.
Councillor Nick Gardiner, Cabinet Member for Highways, said: "The proposed changes would retain the benefits of short-stay parking while removing the elements of the scheme that have created difficulties."
Councillor Sara Godwin said: "This is an experimental scheme specifically to test the layout and gather public feedback before making a final decision."
What did traders think?
Swindon24 reported that many traders had welcomed the spaces for quick visits, and that some were worried about attracting customers when out-of-town retail parks offer free parking.
Councillors were due to debate the Reform UK motion at a Full Council meeting the following week.
Source: Swindon24.
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