New parking charges on the Downs are being considered in a plan to drive away van dwellers from living on the roads throughout the parkland. The car park north of the old zoo will also see new parking charges introduced soon, to help pay for maintenance of the area.
An estimated 60 vans are regularly parked on the roads around the Downs, home to people looking for a cheaper lifestyle amid Bristol's soaring housing costs. But the councillors and businessmen who oversee the parkland are considering options for how to move them on, due to safety concerns.
One plan would see pay-and-display parking charges brought onto all roads on the Downs, with a limit of two hours and a free 30-minute option. The Downs committee will press Bristol City Council to consider introducing the charges.
