On-street parking charges have been introduced in Hereford for the first time this month and non-disabled drivers will have to pay for short stays on streets in the city. St Owen Street, home to BBR Optometry, has had its parking meters installed and the charges came into play yesterday.

Daniel Read, practice manager at BBR Optometry, says: “Although the parking charge isn’t something we wanted, the silver lining is that we understand that it will allow our patients an hour parking rather than 30 minutes.”

The pay and display machines have been equipped to take cash and contactless payments by credit or debit card. Motorists will also be able to pay for parking by phone, as with the council's other car parks.

Daniel says “Having more than 30 mins parking is great for our patients that are choosing and collecting their glasses. However, for our patients that are with us for an examination, for which we need to allow at least one hour, we would recommend parking elsewhere.”

Disabled badge holders will be unaffected by the charges and they will continue to be able to park for free while displaying their badge.

Parking will cost 50p for 30 minutes and £1 for up to one hour. Herefordshire Council said they are introducing the on-street charges to "reduce traffic circulating the city centre which contributes to congestion on the main routes. The council also hopes it will encourage walking, cycling and bus use.”

In a previous email we encouraged our patients to contribute to the Council consultation exercise. Accordingly, we would love to hear your feedback, please email and let us and the council, know your views on the recent changes to parking in Hereford.