PARKING charges are being tweaked in Hereford to encourage more people to spend more time at Hereford’s leisure facilities.

The changes will be come into effect on March 1 and will allow visitors to St Martins car park near the swimming pool to park for two hours for the price previously charged for one hour as part of a six month promotion supported by Halo.

Meanwhile, coach parking charges will be lowered from £9 per day to the equivalent standard car rate to provide easier and more flexible parking options for bus companies.

Other changes will follow later in the year and see bus drivers encouraged to use Merton Meadow where there is better access from the new City Link Road.

Councillor Barry Durkin, Cabinet member transport and regulatory services, said: “The changes will help us to maintain an adequate parking supply and encourage residents and visitors to spend more time in the city centre.

“We have worked with Halo to deliver this parking offer at St Martins which will also promote healthy lifestyles through increased use of the Halo centre and encourage active modes of travel, such as walking, cycling and public transport, for shorter trips.

“We have also worked closely with the cathedral and leisure centre to ensure that adjustments can be made to allow greater parking for coaches if there is an event which may cause an increase in demand.”

Scott Rolfe, CEO for Halo who operates the leisure facilities across Herefordshire on behalf of the council, added: “Cheaper car parking that helps break down the barriers to exercise and encourages more local people to be more active, more often gets a big thumbs up from Halo.

"Two hours of parking is plenty of time for people to work out or wind down in our pools, gym, exercise studios, spa area and cafe.”