THE cost of parking in nine of the Forest Council's car parks is to be reduced.

Lower fees will be introduced from Friday, August 1 at Heywood Road, Cinderford, Newland Street and Railway Drive, Coleford, Bream Road and Newerne Street, Lydney, High Street, Mitcheldean, Lewell Street, Newent and Riverside, Redbrook.

Fourteen spaces at the Mitcheldean car park will be free for an hour.

The new fees will mean two hours' parking will cost 20p, it will be 60p up to three hours, four hours for 80p and £1.60 for longer stays.

Cllr Brian Robinson, deputy leader of the council said: 'We have always aimed to keep the costs as low as possible, while also ensuring that people who use the car parks contribute towards the running costs.

"We've listened to the concerns of residents and local traders who felt that shoppers had limited time to browse in the towns and as a result we decided to reduce the parking charges for up to two hours to 20p and the cost of an annual permit to £120."

He added: "We will still offer monthly, quarterly or six-monthly season tickets, as well as annual permits and motorists can share their permits and tickets in their household or place of work, helping them to get the best value for money.  "The permits and tickets will also remain transferable between car parks meaning people can park in one town and then go on to park in other towns on the same permit or valid ticket."