🚗 Princess Street Car Park – Complete Knutsford WA16 6BU Guide
Free 2 h parking at Princess Street – quick access to Knutsford town centre & shops.
🚗 Type: Surface Pay & Display Car Park (Cheshire East Council)
🕒 Open: Mon–Sat 08:00–18:00; free outside these hours & on Sundays & bank holidays
🌟 Rating: 4.3 / 5 (local shopper feedback)
💰 Pricing & Permits
Tariff (Mon–Sat 08:00–18:00):
First 2 h: Free (ticket required)
2–4 h: £1.50 / h
Max stay: 4 h
Evenings & Sundays: Free (no ticket required)
Resident Permits: Zone KS permits for adjacent streets (apply via Cheshire East portal)
Blue Badge Holders: Free at any time (badge displayed)
Payment: Pay & Display machines (cash/card) or RingGo app (zone code on signage)
Enforcement: Civil Enforcement patrol; display valid ticket/permit
📊 Capacity & Physical Features
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Total Spaces | ~50 marked bays |
| Disabled Bays | 4 bays nearest the pavement entrance |
| Surface | Level tarmac with painted bay lines |
| Lighting | Streetlamps at entrance; unlit late sections |
| Security | Occasional patrols; no CCTV |
| Entry/Exit | Unbarriered; clear signage to payment points |
♿ Accessibility
Step-Free Access: Dropped kerbs at bay ends to pavement
Drop-Off Zone: Kerbside lay-by adjacent to pedestrian gate
🔌 EV Infrastructure
On-Site Chargers: None
Nearest Public Chargers:
2 × 7 kW Pod Point at Knutsford Lodge Car Park (5 min walk)
4 × 22 kW Ubitricity lamppost chargers on King Street (6 min walk)
📅 Peak Times & Occupancy
| Timeframe | Occupancy | Typical Users |
|---|---|---|
| Mon–Fri 08–10 AM | 85 % | Commuters & quick shoppers |
| Mon–Fri 12–2 PM | 60 % | Lunchtime café visitors |
| Saturdays 10–2 PM | 95 % | Weekend retail footfall |
| Evenings after 6 PM | Free | Dining & leisure patrons |
Pro Tip: Print and display your free 2 h ticket on arrival, then explore the shops stress-free.
🚶 Walkability Score
| Destination | Walk Time | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Knutsford High Street | 1 min | Boutiques, cafés & market stalls |
| Knutsford Town Hall & Toilets | 2 min | Civic services & public conveniences |
| Tatton Park Shuttle Bus Stop | 3 min | Direct bus link to Tatton Park |
| Knutsford Railway Station | 8 min | Rail links to Manchester & beyond |
🅿️ Alternative Parking Comparison
| Site | Distance | Cost | Max Stay | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kings Street Car Park | 4 min | Same tariff; free 2 h | 4 h | Larger capacity |
| Mereheath Lane On-Street Bays | 2 min | £1.00 / h; 4 h max | 4 h | Slightly lower hourly rate |
| Knutsford Lodge Car Park | 5 min | Free 1 h; then £2 / h | 4 h | EV charging & café on-site |
⚠️ Important Notices
Enforcement: Mon–Sat 08:00–18:00; fines for no ticket or overstay
Overnight Parking: Allowed outside enforcement hours at owner’s risk
Maintenance: Annual line-repainting scheduled September 2025; expect partial bay closures
📌 Expert Tips
Market Days: Arrive before 9 AM on Saturdays to secure bays for the farmers’ market.
Resident Permit: If you visit frequently, apply for a Zone KS permit for unlimited stays.
EV Users: Charge at Knutsford Lodge then stroll back via the towpath.
🔮 Future Developments
Late 2025: Council evaluating installation of 4 × 7 kW EV chargers nearby.
2026: Pilot ANPR pay-by-plate to remove the need for display tickets.
Own or work here? Claim Now! Claim Now!
