A TOWN centre car park, which is currently free to use, will become a paid car park from January 1 next year.

Ross-on-Wye Town Council has just announced that the Homs Road car park will be subject to new regulations following on from the ongoing concerns around the misuse of the facility, including abandoned vehicles and frequent instances of vehicles not parking within marked bays.

These issues have led to significant accessibility problems for disabled users and pedestrians, as well as raising health and safety concerns for the wider public.

Vehicles parked inconsiderately have on multiple occasions, obstructed access routes, reduced visibility, and created potentially hazardous situations.

The Town Council has previously tried to address these issues on numerous occasions with notices placed around the car park and on cars, and the repainting of all the parking bays.

A spokesperson for Ross Town Council said: "This has been a very difficult decision and one we have not taken lightly.

“We understand that free parking is appreciated by many, but the ongoing problems at Homs Road have made it clear that change is necessary to ensure the car park is safe, accessible, and properly managed for everyone."

The Day to day management of the car park will be undertaken by Herefordshire Council. Charges will be in force Monday to Saturday 8am to 6pm including Bank Holidays and will be the same as all other Herefordshire Council Zone three, Work and Stay, parking charges, which are currently £1 for up to an hour, £2 for up to two hours and £2.50 for over two hours and up to 24 hours. The car park, in line with other local authority car parks will remain free on Sundays.

The council would like to thank the public for their understanding and cooperation as these changes are implemented.