THE Canal & River Trust has been improving car parking at Foxton Locks in Leicestershire, making it easier for hundreds of thousands of visitors each year to visit the historic site.
As part of the proposed upgrade, the charity is installing an ANPR system, which will enable people to park their vehicles and pay when they leave.
Parking charges, which are being kept at the current level, apply to all spaces within the short-stay and long-stay car parks. Visitors can pay by cash, card, or app. Jannette Warrener, destination and attractions manager for the Canal & River Trust, said: “Foxton Locks is the most wonderful, tranquil place where people can get closer to nature and their local history.
“These improvements will help ensure that a visit to Foxton remains a relaxing experience by removing some of the hassle associated with car parking.
“With a busy summer of family-friendly activities just around the corner, these improvements are very timely and we look forward to welcoming people in the weeks and months ahead.”
The new system, which went live on Tuesday, July 23, will also enable people to pay for an annual pass, providing greater value for money when planning repeat visits.
In addition to the new payment system, the trust has also improved disabled parking provision at Foxton by re-marking bays and creating extra spaces.
The trust welcomes more than 400,000 visitors to Foxton each year, and the car park helps the charity raise vital funds to care for the historic canal, flight of locks, and bridges. Home to the longest, steepest staircase of locks in Britain, Foxton Locks holds a Green Flag Award and sits in 34 acres of natural green space, making the site the ideal place to soak up both heritage and nature.
In addition to the locks, visitors can enjoy pubs, cafes, a museum, and the historic remains of a unique inclined boat lift, which is listed as a Scheduled Ancient Monument.
To find out more about the trust, including how you can support its vital work, go to: www.canalrivertrust.org.uk
