Update on parking in Royston
Published: 25 February 2026
UPDATE ON PARKING IN ROYSTON
Royston, UK – 24 February 2026 – On 17 February 2026, North Hertfordshire Council resolved to adopt a proposal to increase car park tariffs for 2026/27 in Royston. This was based on a report of Service Director – Place that included consultation with Royston Town Council and Royston First (BID).
In 2010, Royston First and Royston Town Council launched subsidised parking in Royston, enabling free parking after 3pm commonly known as ‘Free After Three’. Due to a projected increase in the cost of the subsidy, it will no longer be possible for Royston Town Council and Royston First to continue funding the scheme. This change in required subsidy has been identified by North Hertfordshire Council after further research using data-driven insights on accurate usage of the car parks, with an expected increase between 2-3x the existing subsidy arrangement.
The new tariff structure starting on 1 April 2026 introduces the following:
- Daytime all car parks except Civic Centre
- 1 hour - £1
- 2 hour - £1.50
- 3 hour - £2.50
- Daytime for Civic Centre
- 1, 2 and 3 hour - £1.00 Flat charge
- After 3pm all car parks
- All-day parking tariffs
Royston Town Council and Royston First provided feedback from councillors and residents at all stages of the process, confirming there was a very strong desire to retain ‘Free After Three’ from all groups. This was noted and reaffirmed at all meetings to make the baseline position clear on behalf of the town.
In recognition that continued subsidy would be unachievable, Royston Town Council and Royston First researched other avenues to create value for the town that address other issues raised. The result of this is the standardising of pricing across town, the reduction in daytime prices and successfully creating a flat charge for the Civic Centre with consideration to the surgery next to it.
Royston Town Council and Royston First both allocated funding in their budgets for 2026/27 based on the previous level of subsidy, which have not been dissolved in response to this news by either group. Instead, Royston First proposed exploring using these allocated funds to subsidise parking throughout December, providing targeted seasonal support for local businesses. Discussions are ongoing between all parties, with a current expectation that the existing allocated funding can achieve this. Pending further discussions, the expected subsidy cost is approximately £30,000.
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