Here’s a surprising move that’s sure to catch the attention of both locals and visitors alike: free one-hour parking is being offered in Lincoln during the Bailgate roadworks, but there’s a catch—it’s only available through a specific app. This initiative, announced by the City of Lincoln Council, aims to support local businesses while essential upgrades are made to the historic Bailgate area. But here’s where it gets interesting: the free parking sessions are exclusively for users of the PayByPhone app, leaving some to wonder if this is a step toward a more digital-centric parking future. Could this be a trial run for broader changes? Let’s dive in.
The £1.7 million project, led by Lincolnshire County Council, focuses on revitalizing the iconic carriage setts, road surfaces, and pedestrian crossings along Bailgate—a route that connects the city’s stunning cathedral with the ancient Roman Newport Arch. While these improvements are long overdue, they come with a temporary inconvenience: some on-street parking bays will be unavailable during the works. To offset this, shoppers can park for free for one hour in St Paul’s Lane and Westgate 1 car parks throughout February. But this is the part most people miss: the free parking is designed specifically to support regular customers who rely on the usual one-hour free on-street parking for quick visits to local shops.
Bailgate, last paved in 2010, has seen its Yorkstone flags deteriorate over time, with many needing repair or replacement. The council assures that these upgrades will strengthen the road, ensuring its durability for the next two decades. Nicola Collins, Parking Services Manager at City of Lincoln Council, explains, ‘We’ve worked closely with Lincolnshire County Council to ensure uphill businesses aren’t disproportionately affected during these vital improvements. By offering free parking at these car parks, we’re making it easier for customers to continue supporting local shops while the works are underway.’
But here’s the controversial bit: Why is the free parking tied to a specific app? Is this a nudge toward reducing cash transactions, or simply a practical solution for managing parking during disruptions? Some might argue it excludes those who aren’t tech-savvy or prefer traditional payment methods. What do you think? Is this a fair trade-off for convenience, or a step too far?
The project is expected to last around three months, with footpaths and car parks remaining accessible and road closures implemented in stages. In the meantime, stay updated on Lincolnshire’s latest developments by tuning into BBC Sounds or catching the newest episode of Look North. And if you’ve got a story you think deserves attention, let us know!
For easy access to news on the go, download the BBC News app from the App Store for iPhone and iPad or Google Play for Android devices. But before you go, we want to hear from you: Do you think app-based parking solutions are the way forward, or should traditional methods remain the norm? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s spark a conversation!
