Rutland County Council is inviting residents, businesses and visitors to help shape the future of parking across the county, as it launches a public consultation on its updated Parking Strategy for 2026 to 2028.

The consultation will be open until 22 May 2026.

Residents and stakeholders are encouraged to share their views on the updating strategy by completing the public consultation survey

The refreshed strategy sets out a practical, forward-looking plan to manage parking, improve safety, support local businesses and respond to changing travel habits. It replaces the council's 2022 parking policy and has been developed through wide ranging engagement, including the Future Rutland conversation, feedback from parish councils and county councillors, and scrutiny by the Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

The new strategy reflects national transport policy, the council's climate commitments, and the potential impact of Local Government Reorganisation in 2028. At its centre is a simple aim: to make sure people can access the places they need safely and easily while supporting a cleaner, more sustainable future.

Four key priorities form the strategy:

• making sure parking services are financially sustainable
• supporting access to local services and keeping traffic moving efficiently
• improving safety for everyone using Rutland's roads, whatever their mode of travel
• preparing for future changes in transport and technology

These priorities are backed by wider ambitions to improve accessibility, encourage positive travel behaviour, protect the environment and support the local economy.

The strategy also sets out clear policies across a range of areas, including:

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• town centres: regular reviews of car park capacity, better signage and exploring opportunities for electric vehicle charging
• enforcement: a firm but fair approach to tackling unsafe and inconsiderate parking
• residential parking: clearer guidance on when new schemes may be introduced
• villages and visitor hotspots: balancing rural character with safety and access, while working with local attractions to manage demand
• schools: ensuring any new restrictions are based on up-to-date travel plans that support safer journeys for children
• Blue Badge parking: maintaining and regularly reviewing accessible parking provision
• parking infrastructure: maintaining existing facilities while planning for future needs, including electric vehicle infrastructure

The strategy recognises how travel is changing, from increased homeworking since the pandemic to the growing number of electric vehicles and the planned phase-out of new petrol and diesel cars.

It also acknowledges Rutland's unique rural nature, where travel patterns and enforcement challenges differ from urban areas, requiring a balanced and evidence-based approach.

Councillor Oliver Hemsley, Portfolio Holder for Environment and Transport, said: "This strategy is about getting the balance right for Rutland by supporting our communities, protecting our environment and making sure people can get where they need to go safely and easily.

"Parking plays a vital role in everyday life, whether you're visiting a town centre, running a business or travelling to school. We've listened carefully to residents and stakeholders, and now we want to hear even more views to help shape a parking service that works for everyone both now and in the future."