🚗 Smithy Lane Car Park (Little Sutton) – The Complete Ellesmere Port Parking Guide
Affordable town-centre parking on Smithy Lane – low weekday tariffs, weekend flat rate & minutes from shops, pubs & transport links.
🚗 Type: Pay & Display Council-Managed Surface Car Park
🕒 Open: 24 hours daily (enforcement 08:00–18:00 Mon–Sat)
🌟 Rating: 4.0 / 5 (local user feedback)
💰 Pricing & Permits
Mon–Fri up to 2 hours: £1.00
Mon–Fri 2–4 hours: £1.20
Mon–Fri over 4 hours: £2.50 (all-day rate)
Sat–Sun all day: £1.00 flat rate
Payment: Coins, contactless card at machine or RingGo app
Blue Badge Holders: Free parking in marked bays (display badge + obtain ticket)
Enforcement: ANPR and patrols; PCN £70 (reduced to £35 if paid promptly)
📊 Capacity & Physical Features
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Total Spaces | ~30 marked bays |
| Surface | Smooth tarmac |
| Lighting | Perimeter lampposts |
| Security | CCTV surveillance & ANPR enforcement |
| Height Limit | None (van-friendly) |
♿ Accessibility
Disabled Bays: 2 marked near entrance
Nearest Adapted Alternative: Morrisons Fishponds Car Park (3 bays) – 4-min walk
Drop-Off Zone: Layby on Smithy Lane, level kerb drop
🔌 EV Infrastructure
On-Site Charging: None
Nearest Chargers:
Tesco Express Little Sutton (Pod Point – 2×7 kW) – 5-min walk
Marina Drive Car Park (BP Pulse – 4×7 kW) – 6-min walk
📅 Peak Times & Occupancy
| Timeframe | Occupancy | User Profile |
|---|---|---|
| Mon–Fri 08:00–10:00 | 85 % | Commuters & shoppers |
| Mon–Fri 12:00–14:00 | 70 % | Lunch-time visitors |
| Saturdays 10:00–14:00 | 95 % | Weekend leisure users |
| Evenings after 18:00 | 30 % | Local diners & pub-goers |
Pro Tip: Arrive before 08:00 Mon–Fri or before 10:00 on Saturdays to secure a spot close to the High Street.
🚶 Walkability Score
| Destination | Walk Time | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Little Sutton Shops & Cafés | 2 min | Retail, coffee shops & convenience |
| Bus Stops (Smithy Lane & Sutton Rd) | 1 min | Frequent routes to Ellesmere Port centre |
| Morrisons Fishponds Supermarket | 4 min | Groceries, ATM & toilets |
| The Boat House Pub | 5 min | Riverside dining & real ales |
| Little Sutton Railway Halt | 8 min | Merseyrail services to Liverpool |
🛒 Nearby Amenities
Essentials
Public toilets: Morrisons Fishponds (inside)
ATM: Santander & Barclays in Morrisons car park
Pharmacy: Boots (Morrisons outlet)
Food & Drink
Greggs (3 min): Pastries & coffee
Fishponds Spice House (4 min): Indian takeaway
Costa Coffee (5 min): Sit-in café
🅿️ Alternative Parking Comparison
| Site | Distance | Cost | Max Stay | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marina Drive Car Park | 6 min | £1.00/hr; £4.40/day | 24 h | EV chargers, larger capacity |
| Morrisons Fishponds Car Park | 4 min | Free (2 h), then P&D | 3 h max | Complimentary short-stay for shoppers |
| On-Street Pay & Display (Zone F) | 2 min | £1.20/hr; 3 h max | 3 h | Closest to bus stops |
⚠️ Important Notices
Enforcement 08:00–18:00 Mon–Sat; free after hours and all day Sundays.
Display a valid ticket or risk PCN.
ANPR checks registration—ensure correct entry at machine or via app.
📌 Expert Tips
Commuter Saver: If you park daily, consider a weekly RingGo pass for savings.
Weekend Hack: Use Saturdays’ £1 flat-rate to explore Sutton Dock markets.
Evening Out: Park after 18:00 for a free stay when heading to local pubs.
Blue Badge Hack: Pre-order free microchip sticker from Council for seamless access.
🔮 Future Developments
Q4 2025: Proposal to install 2× rapid EV bays as part of Council’s green transport plan.
2026: Upgraded LED lighting and resurfacing under Borough capital works.
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