Council to spend £1.2million on improving parking

Barnsley Cabinet's ruling cabinet will be asked to approve the funds, which will be spent on digital signs providing live parking updates, new payment machines, and pay on exit barriers at Marketgate and the Glassworks.

Almost £200,000 of the cash will be used to make council-run car parks "safer and more visually appealing", with more green spaces, CCTV and better lighting.

A further £112,000 of the funds will be invested in a "review of parking within a five-minute walk of The Glass Works", using feedback from businesses and disability forums to improve accessibility.

Councillor Chris Lamb, cabinet spokesperson for place said: “We want to make it safer, quicker and easier for those that choose to drive into town to find a convenient parking space and encourage visitors to stay longer.

“We’re always conscious of our environmental impacts and we’re working towards a zero carbon borough, so we want to do all we can to encourage people to use public transport or active travel to get into town, yet we know people are going to continue using cars for some time to come. "

A report to cabinet states that if the scheme is approved, parking charges will be simplified with three categories of parking spaces, "identified through colour-coding and signage".

With the new technology, visitors will be able to extend their car parking time via an app or phone call, so they do not need to go back to their car.