๐ 226 Hale Road Car Park โ The Complete Widnes Parking Guide
Hale Road โ convenient pay & display, free evenings & Sundays, close to town centre & canal towpath.
๐ Type: Public Pay & Display Car Park (Halton Borough Council)
๐ Open: Enforcement 08:00โ18:00 MonโSat; free evenings (18:00โ08:00), all day Sunday & Bank Holidays
๐ Rating: N/A (council-run facility)
๐ฐ Pricing & Permits
Tariffs (MonโSat, 08:00โ18:00):
Up to 30 min: ยฃ0.50
Up to 1 h: ยฃ1.00
Up to 2 h: ยฃ1.80
Up to 4 h (max stay): ยฃ3.00
Payment Methods:
Pay & Display machines (coins, contactless card)
RingGo app (zone code 77850)
Resident Permits: Zone WN permit ยฃ60 / year (unlimited stays during enforcement hours)
Season Tickets: Weekly permit ยฃ8 (valid any enforcement day)
๐ Capacity & Physical Features
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Total Spaces | ~60 bays |
| Disabled Bays | 3 marked bays (free for Blue Badge holders) |
| Parent & Child Bays | 2 extra-wide bays near pedestrian entrance |
| Surface | Level tarmac with bay lining refreshed 2022 |
| Lighting | LED perimeter bollards (08:00โ18:00) |
| Drainage | Channel drains; cleared bi-annually |
| Security | CCTV coverage; Halton Council patrols |
| Signage | Zone map & tariffs clearly displayed at entrance |
โฟ Accessibility & Adapted Facilities
Blue Badge Bays: Three bays adjacent to pay machineโfree with badge displayed
Drop-Off Zone: Kerbside pull-in beside machine for quick unloading
Kerb Ramps: Tactile-paved ramps to Hale Road pavement
Pathways: Smooth 2 m-wide route to high street and canal towpath
๐ EV Infrastructure & Nearby Options
On-Site Charging: None installed
Planned (2025): Feasibility study for 2 ร 7 kW chargers in north corner
Nearest Live Chargers:
Widnes Station Car Park: 4 ร 7 kW units, 5 min walk
Halton Lea Retail Park: 6 ร 22 kW rapid, 7 min drive
๐ Demand Patterns & Seasonal Variations
| Period | Occupancy | User Profile |
|---|---|---|
| Weekdays 08:00โ10:00 | 80 % | Commuters & shoppers |
| Weekdays 12:00โ14:00 | 60 % | Lunch-time visitors |
| Weekdays 16:00โ18:00 | 70 % | Return commuters |
| Saturdays 09:00โ13:00 | 85 % | Weekend shoppers |
| Sundays & Bank Holidays | 30 % | Leisure & towpath visitors |
Pro Tip: Arrive after 16:00 for free evening stayโideal for a riverside walk.
๐ถ Walkability & Local Links
| Destination | Walk Time | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Widnes High Street | 3 min | Shops, cafรฉs & public toilets |
| Sankey Canal Towpath | Adjacent | Scenic walking & cycling routes |
| Widnes Station | 8 min | Merseyrail service to Liverpool |
| Bus Stops (Hale Rd) | Adjacent | Frequent local and regional routes |
๐ Nearby Amenities & Services
Essentials
Public Toilets: Market Square (5 min walk)
ATM: Lloyds (High Street, 3 min)
Pharmacy: Boots (High Street, 4 min)
Food & Drink
The Hale Arms (1 min): Pub dining & local ales
Riverside Cafรฉ (2 min): Light bites & drinks
Co-Op Food (4 min): Groceries & hot food
๐ ฟ๏ธ Alternative Parking Comparison
| Site | Distance | Cost | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Widnes Station Car Park | 5 min | ยฃ0.50/hr; ยฃ3/day | EV charging & secure barrier |
| On-Street Pay & Display (Zone WN) | Adjacent | ยฃ0.20/20 min; 2 h max | Short-stay flexibility via app |
| Halton Lea Retail Park CP | 7 min dr | ยฃ1.00/hr; ยฃ5/day | Rapid EV chargers & retail access |
โ ๏ธ Important Notices & Byelaws
Enforcement: 08:00โ18:00 MonโSat by council officers; CCTV evenings/Sundays
Overstay Penalty: ยฃ70 PCN (reduced to ยฃ35 if paid within 14 days)
Towing Risk: Unauthorized vehicles may be towed at ownerโs expense
Maintenance: Quarterly lining & drainage inspections (next due Oct 2025)
๐ Expert Tips
Resident Saver: Annual permit (ยฃ60) offers best value for locals.
Blue Badge Holders: Display badge and use marked baysโno payment required.
Towpath Leisure: Park for free after 18:00 and enjoy evening canal walks.
Weather Alert: Northern bays can pondโopt for bays near the southern entrance.
๐ฎ Future Developments & Planning
2025 Q3: Install on-site EV charging bays funded by council grant
2025 Q4: Upgrade pay machines to cashless & multilingual interface
2026: Feasibility study for +20 bays on adjacent land (ref: HBC/PLN/2024/1160)
Accessibility Audit: PAS 1899 compliance review scheduled for Jan 2026
Own or work here?
Claim Now!
Claim Now!
