Both Reform UK and the council’s Conservative administration are backing proposals to remove the parking bays on the northern side of the road, just months after the free parking scheme was introduced.
The free parking formed part of an experimental traffic order aimed at supporting local businesses while tackling long-standing concerns over illegal pavement parking.
Reform UK will ask next week’s Full Council meeting to support changes to the scheme, including removing the northern parking bays and reviewing the remaining spaces to improve visibility and road safety.
The Conservative administration is expected to support almost identical proposals. These would retain the free parking bays on the southern side of Commercial Road while removing those on the northern side and considering planters or other measures to discourage pavement parking.
Both groups say the current layout has created safety concerns, particularly for motorists leaving nearby car parks.
If approved, the changes would reduce the number of free 20-minute parking spaces from around 35 to roughly half that number. There has been no indication that replacement spaces would be created elsewhere.
Reform UK says its proposals are based on feedback gathered through a public survey of residents, businesses and road users, which the party says demonstrated significant support for changes to the current layout.
Councillor Sara Godwin said:
“This is an experimental scheme specifically to test the layout and gather public feedback before making a final decision. An experimental scheme is only meaningful if the Council is prepared to listen to the evidence and act upon it.”
The original scheme had two main aims, preventing illegal pavement parking and encouraging short visits to local businesses through free parking.
Many traders welcomed the additional spaces, saying they helped attract customers making quick trips for shopping, food, services and other everyday errands.
However, illegal pavement parking has continued in parts of Commercial Road, with some motorists still driving across the pavement to park directly outside businesses despite the availability of designated parking bays.
The Conservative administration says it wants to preserve the benefits of free short-stay parking while addressing road safety concerns raised during the trial.
Councillor Nick Gardiner, Cabinet Member for Highways said:
“The proposed changes would retain the benefits of short-stay parking while removing the elements of the scheme that have created difficulties. Our priority is always to ensure our roads are safe, accessible and designed around the needs of all users.”
The proposed changes have prompted questions over whether removing legal parking spaces will address motorists who continue to park illegally, as neither Reform UK’s motion nor the Conservative administration’s plans explain how reducing the number of authorised bays would prevent pavement parking from continuing.
The debate also comes against the backdrop of wider parking changes across Swindon. Earlier this year, the council approved significant increases to short-stay parking charges across town centre and Old town.
Businesses have also raised concerns over the introduction of four-hour maximum stays in many short-stay car parks, warning the restrictions could affect customers visiting for shopping, appointments, dining and evening entertainment.
For some traders, reducing the number of free parking spaces on Commercial Road adds to wider concerns about attracting customers, particularly as out-of-town retail parks continue to offer free parking.
Both Reform UK and the Conservative administration say they remain committed to supporting the town centre.
The future of the Commercial Road scheme will now be considered at Full council with councillors expected to debate Reform UK’s motion at next week’s Full Council meeting.
