Drivers and visitors to Bridgend town centre will be able to park at the Rhiw multi-storey car park until midnight from November in a three-month trial aimed at boosting the town's night-time economy.
The extended opening hours will form part of a package of changes at the car park, including a new pay-and-display system, enhanced security, and the introduction of a new mobile parking payment provider.
The changes will be in force from November 1, 2026.
Pay-and-display system and free evening parking
As part of the changes, the car park will become a pay-and-display car park instead of the current pay-on-exit system. Anyone using the car park will need to display a valid ticket on their windscreens, apart from Blue Badge holders or those who pay online through the app.
The current three hours free parking offer will remain in place, and there will be no increase to parking tariffs. Anyone using the offer will still need to display a ticket, but the ticket will show that no charge is payable.
On top of this, there will be no charge for parking after 6pm, and anyone parking after this point will not need to display or purchase a ticket.
New payment provider and security measures
The council is also changing its online parking payment provider across all of its car parks. PayByPhone will be replaced by RingGo, giving motorists an alternative way to pay for parking using their mobile devices.
Cllr Gary Haines, cabinet member for communities and the environment, said: "The changes at Rhiw multi-storey car park are about making sure the facility reflects the needs of people using Bridgend town centre, particularly during the evening."
"We also recognise that the public want to feel confident and reassured when using our car parks at night and that is why we are increasing the amount of CCTV cameras in the car park alongside the presence of security staff during the extended hours."
The trial will allow the council to monitor how the facility is used during the additional hours and consider the arrangements beyond the initial three-month period.
