The Outdoor Market would be subject to parking restrictions Pic: George D Thompson
Free evening parking under the Market canopies in Preston is due to become a thing of the past.
A £50m revamp of the Markets is to see the Indoor Market demolished and the Outdoor Market redeveloped.
The Fish Market canopy has already seen restoration and the city council says they want to ‘prevent unnecessary damage to the newly restored columns’ as part of the parking changes.
Parking is currently permitted from Monday to Saturday during the evening, and all day on Sunday as the markets do not operate.
Cabinet member for community and environment councillor Robert Boswell said: “The removal of parking under the market canopies ensures a safer and cleaner environment for market traders and their customers. It will also help prevent unnecessary damage to the newly restored columns and also to market stall trestle tables.
“Off street parking is available in the evenings and Sundays in the locality along with public car parks such as the Market Hall car park.”
Related: New Preston Market to house 25 stalls
Private traffic wardens would enforce the proposed changes, although it would not apply to vehicles owned by traders on car boot and flea market days.
A spokeswoman for the city council said because the space under the canopies is not an official car park it had to be enforced by a private firm contracted by the city council.
No date has been given for the parking ban, but if approved by the city council’s cabinet it is likely to come into force in late July to early August.
Related: How Preston’s city centre cinema battle played out
Inside how Preston’s new look Indoor Market may be presented
Plans for the market and cinema redevelopment have been submitted but have not yet been discussed by the city council’s planning committee.
Scaffolding has recently gone up on the main Outdoor Market ahead of restoration of the covering and columns.
What do you think about the proposal? Do you park under the Market canopies? Let us know in the comments below