Windsor and Maidenhead: Council launches innovative new parking strategy

An innovative new strategy of using temporary steel-framed ‘pop-up’ car parks to meet short-term need has been launched by the council in Maidenhead and Windsor.  The council is updating its approach to make sure that the number of paid-for spaces in key locations remains adequate, thus ensuring that the valued property development, crucial for its regeneration, does not leave motorists with nowhere to park.

Councillor Carwyn Cox, cabinet member for parking, said: “The regeneration of Maidenhead and ever-increasing tourism in Windsor are examples of how our borough is constantly growing in popularity. One of our challenges is to ensure that as the borough becomes a busier place where more people want to live, work and play our infrastructure can meet that demand.”

Olu Odeniyi, president of Maidenhead and District Chamber of Commerce, said: “I am pleased the council has consulted the chamber on this new parking strategy and we anticipate continual engagement to help ensure optimal solutions for the borough. Regeneration means we have some exceptional challenges to conquer while minimising disruption to residents, visitors and the business community.”

Jane Wright, centre manager at Nicholsons Shopping Centre, added: “Having an ample supply of good quality, appropriately-priced car parking in the heart of the town centre is critical to the health of the high street and the shopping destination.”

Currently around 8,000 cars per day use council car parks, which equates to almost three million per year. With Crossrail due for completion in 2019 and as tourism and regeneration evolve, that demand is expected to rise.