Recent News
Season Tickets by Direct Debit
On the 1st August the Council introduced a new direct debit scheme for those drivers wishing to purchase an annual season ticket and pay by monthly instalments.
Those drivers who wish to apply to pay by direct debit are required to complete an application form and mandate form and submit the first instalment of £22.50. A further 11 instalments will then be taken from the nominated bank account on or immediately after the 20th of each month.
For further information about the scheme or to request an application and mandate form please contact the Parking Section on 01685 725285/726285. Alternatively you can download the appropriate form by visiting the season ticket page.
NB An application to pay by Direct Debit can only be arranged for a minimum of 1 year. Cancellations cannot be accepted until this period has elapsed.
Extra Saturday Parking at Abermorlias
Additional parking is now available on Saturdays, for all drivers at the Abermorlais Car Park (behind the Civic Centre), parking fees still apply and parking tickets must be purchased at the nearest machine which can be found in the Castle(S) Car Park. Season Tickets holders are also entitled to park at this location on a Saturday without purchasing an additional parking ticket.
Gilar Street Car Park Becomes Short Stay
During the recent change in tariffs, the Council decided to allocate the Gilar Street Car Park, specifically for short stay. The new scheme was implemented after a survey was carried out which indicated a large quantity of parking bays were being taken up by workers in the town.
A key factor in ensuring the continuing regeneration of the town is its visitors and shoppers, it was therefore determined that as there were sufficient bays for long stay parkers, albeit at a slightly further distance (approx 3mins walk), the most conevient car park would be allocated for the purpose of these short stay parkers.
During the initial introduction period, the new scheme the Council have received positive feedback from many sources in relation to the scheme.
For further information relating to the new regulations and charges in the Gilar Street Car Park please to refer to the 'Parking' Section on this site.
Unpaid Parking Fines Taken to Court
Since June 1999 drivers parking in the Council's car parks who do not park correctly or fail to pay and display have been issued with parking fines which can cost the driver £30 if payment is received within 14 days. Many of these drivers have - in the past - refused to pay these fines in the belief that they will 'get away with it'.
In fact this is not the case as over three hundred cases have successfully been heard in the Magistrates Court during the past 18 months. Many of these cases resulted in a total fees of £200 being charged against each individual prosecuted (defendant).
This fine awarded by the Magistrates pales into signficance when compared to the original fine of £30.
The Council would like to stress that we want to demonstrate that while we are very fair in handling appeals, any driver failing to comply with the Off Street Parking Places Order will be pursued through Magistrates Court.
New Payment Options Available
A new debit/credit card payment system for our customers has now been activated. Using a credit or debit card callers can pay penalty notices, season ticket and residents/visitors permits by telephone or by coming to the Council Offices at the Civic Centre. To contact the Parking Section Telephone 01685 725282/726285 or email parking@merthyr.gov.uk
Additional 290 Parking Spaces Available
The extension to the College Car Park is now fully open with a total of 290 bays and additional ten disabled bays in the redesigned smaller car park known as College (S).
This car park is also pay and display, has CCTV and easy access to the Taff Trail.
The car park is locked overnight and on bank holidays and Sundays.