Free parking for up to 72 hours is again available on Blackpool Council-owned coach parks. The offer runs until 2 January 2023 and represents a return of the same concession made by the local authority in 2021, which was intended to assist the coach sector in its recovery from COVID-19 and recognise the importance of the mode to the Fylde resort’s tourism industry.
The free parking can be obtained via the Paybyphone app. A payment card must be registered to the app, but an advice leaflet issued as part of the offer stresses that no charge will be made if the correct location code – 806180 – is entered into the app.
In addition to a return of free coach parking, Blackpool Council has advised that changes will be made at the Central Coach Station in the town from 16 May. They relate to the construction of a new multi-storey car park there as part of the £300m Blackpool Central development and will restrict use of the facility solely to scheduled services as of that date.
Access to and from Central Coach Station will only be from Central Drive. Operators of scheduled services to Blackpool have been advised to inform the local authority to facilitate their vehicle’s access. The given contact is David Simper on 07970 768452.
Blackpool Council advises that all other operators will be accommodated at the north end of the Foxhall car and coach park and, if that facility is full, at the Seasiders Way car and coach park and South car park. For town centre drop-off and layover, Banks Street coach park may also be used. The free coach parking offer is applicable at all those locations, as it is at Gynn Square.
Restrictions at Central Coach Station will be in place “for the entire 2022 season,” Blackpool Council advises.