Rutland County Council Revamps Parking, New Tariffs and Flexible Options Take Effect
OAKHAM & UPPINGHAM
Navigating the market towns of Rutland just got a little different. Starting today, Monday, 2 March 2026, Rutland County Council has officially implemented a new structure for off-street parking charges across all council-managed car parks in Oakham and Uppingham.
The changes aim to modernise the service and ensure the long-term sustainability of the county’s parking infrastructure. While many rates have seen an increase, the Council has introduced new flexibility for short-term visitors and maintained key free-parking windows.
What’s New?
The most notable change for quick errands is the introduction of a dedicated "Up to 2 Hours" tariff at £2.90, filling a previous gap in the pricing structure.
Conversely, the "Up to 6 Hours" option has been removed, simplifying the transition from mid-length stays to full-day rates.
For those on two wheels, there is good news, Motorcycles can now park for free, provided they use bays specifically signed or marked for motorcycle use.
If a motorcycle occupies a standard car bay, however, standard charges still apply.
Maintaining Accessibility
Despite the price hikes, the Council has protected two vital categories
The 30-Minute Grace Period, Free parking for up to 30 minutes remains available in all managed car parks (no return permitted on the same day).
Blue Badge Holders, Free parking for up to three hours continues for Blue Badge holders.
The Price Breakdown
The shift reflects an increase across standard and long-term stays to help cover the rising costs of maintaining and improving the facilities.
| Tariff Period | Previous Charge | New Charge (March 2026) |
| 30 Minutes | Free | Free |
| Up to 1 Hour | £1.20 | £1.50 |
| Up to 2 Hours | N/A | £2.90 |
| Up to 3 Hours | £3.00 | £3.70 |
| One Day (8am - 6pm) | £5.80 | £7.00 |
| One Week (Mon - Sat) | £21.00 | £25.00 |
A "Carefully Considered" Balance
Councillor Christine Wise, Portfolio Holder for Transport, Environment and Communities, emphasised that the decision wasn't made lightly.
"These revised parking arrangements have been carefully considered to strike the right balance between supporting our town centres and ensuring we can continue to maintain and improve our parking facilities," Wise stated. "We know how important short stay parking is for local shops and services, which is why free 30-minute parking remains in place."
The Council maintains that these revisions are essential for keeping the parking service "fit for purpose" while supporting the economic health of Rutland’s vibrant market towns.
For a full list of updated charges or to apply for a season ticket, residents and visitors are encouraged to visit the official council website at
