Town Centre Coach Parking On The Way

Beverley will soon be getting coach parking in the town centre, a move that will improve visitor experience and safety as well as providing a boost to tourism in the town.

The council’s cabinet today agreed to a proposal to provide seven dedicated coach parking bays at the School Lane car park (medium stay part) off New Walkergate, which is just a step away from the town centre.

The council has consulted widely, including with ward councillors, Beverley Town Council and the Beverley Civic Society, all of whom support the plan.

At present, there is a dropping off place for coach parties near the magistrates’ court, but coaches needing to park up are directed on weekdays to a council site off Grovehill Road, a considerable distance from the town centre and at weekends to a car park which involves difficult manoeuvring.

Councillor Jane Evison, cabinet portfolio holder for rural issues and cultural services, said:

“This is good news for visitors to Beverley and will add to the town’s tourism potential, with its historic buildings, excellent shopping and many other attractions, including a growing number of events and festivals.

“The lack of suitable coach parking has been an issue for some time and the council is delighted that we have come up with a solution that is widely supported by local people and organisations.”

It is estimated that upwards of 75,000 visitors come annually to Beverley and around 40,000 of these arrive by coach.

Councillor Symon Fraser, cabinet portfolio holder for environment, housing and planning, said: “School Lane (medium stay) car park operates at well under capacity most of the time and the council has calculated that problems would not result from the loss of medium stay car spaces.

“At present, coaches have to park a fair distance away from the town centre which can prove inconvenient. This move will improve the town’s transport infrastructure, benefit the economy and enhance Beverley’s reputation as a vibrant market town.”

Alan Acklam of Beverley-based coach operator Acklams Coaches, said:

“The addition of coach parking provision at the School Lane car park is excellent news for both visitors to the town and for the coach operators that bring them in.”

As well as the coach parking, the council is planning to install a puffin crossing at New Walkergate, south of School Lane, which will help coach party groups, many of whom are elderly, to get safely into the centre of town.

The cost of the coach parking scheme and associated works will be met through the government-funded East Riding Local Transport Plan.