Stone MP Sir Gavin Williamson has presented a petition to Stafford Borough Council calling for two hours of free parking at Crown Street and Christchurch Way car parks. The petition has more than 1,800 signatures and was handed over at the Civic Centre in Stafford on 22 October 2026.

The petition asks the council to introduce free parking for the first two hours at both locations to support businesses on Stone High Street. It argues that the shortage of free, accessible parking is harming local businesses and organisations.

Current parking charges

Crown Street and Christchurch Way car parks currently charge 90p for up to one hour, £1.40 for up to two hours and £2.60 for up to four hours. Christchurch Way also offers all day parking for £3.80, while Crown Street has a maximum stay of four hours.

Free parking already exists elsewhere in Stone. The Stone Canalside and Stone Riverside car parks at Westbridge Park offer up to two hours free from Monday to Friday (drivers must obtain and display a ticket), and both are free at weekends.

The campaign

Sir Gavin launched his campaign earlier in 2026, arguing that reducing parking costs would encourage more people to visit Stone High Street. In July, he identified parking as a practical issue needing to be addressed to help local traders.

Following the petition's submission, Sir Gavin thanked residents who signed it and the High Street businesses that made it available to customers. "Now, it is time for Stafford Borough Council to listen to our community and support Stone High Street. Local councils should exist to support our communities and do everything in their power to enable them to thrive," he said.

He also pointed to the free weekend parking offered during December in previous years, arguing that a wider scheme would benefit the town.

Council response

Stafford Borough Council previously defended its parking charges when the petition passed 1,000 signatures in August. A council spokesman said the £1.40 charge for two hours helped cover the upkeep of car parks, including lighting, CCTV, cleaning and public toilets at Crown Street.

The council said removing parking income would mean finding money elsewhere, potentially through council tax or reductions in services.

There is not yet a confirmed timetable for a response to the petition.