Free parking Saturdays to start in April

  Published on 10 March 2026

Welshpool Town Council has announced that Pay What You Can Parking at Church Steet Car Park will start on Saturday 4th April 2026.

The scheme will run every Saturday until 26 September 2026 as part of a 26-week trial designed to support local businesses, encourage more visitors into town and make Welshpool a more welcoming place to spend time.

On those Saturdays, parking charges at Church Street Car Park will be covered by Welshpool Town Council, meaning visitors will not need to pay at the machines. Instead, people will be invited to make a voluntary 'Pay What You Can' contribution if they wish to help support the initiative, however parking will remain free.

The scheme follows a trial of free parking during the festive period, which received strong feedback from local businesses. A recent survey of traders found that most respondents reported increased customers, longer visits to the town centre and a more vibrant atmosphere during the trial days.

Throughout the six-month period the Council will monitor car park usage, business feedback and visitor responses before deciding whether to continue or adapt the scheme in the future.

Visitors are encouraged to look out for the signs next to the pay machines for more information or visit our website https://www.welshpooltowncouncil.gov.uk/parking