🚗 South Drive Long-Stay Car Park – Complete Wilmslow Parking Guide
South Drive long-stay parking, Wilmslow – commuter-friendly, all-day access, permits available.
🚗 Type: Council-Managed Surface Car Park (Cheshire East Council)
🕒 Open: 24 hours daily (charges apply Mon–Sat 08:00–18:00; free Sundays & bank holidays)
🌟 Rating: 4.2 / 5 (local user reviews)
💰 Pricing & Permits
Long-Stay Tariff (max stay 10 h):
0–1 h: £1.00
1–2 h: £1.60
2–3 h: £2.30
3–4 h: £2.70
4–6 h: £3.70
6–10 h: £4.30
Permits:
Quarterly permit: £195
Annual permit: £620
Payment:
Pay & Display machine (cash/coin),
RingGo app (location code 2682706)
Enforcement: Must display valid ticket or permit at all times during charging hours
📊 Capacity & Physical Features
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Total Spaces | 45 long-stay bays |
| Disabled Bays | None (visitors must use nearby MSCP) |
| Surface | Tarmac; clearly marked bays |
| Lighting | Overhead LED lamps along access aisle |
| Security | Occasional patrols; no dedicated CCTV |
| Height Restriction | None (suitable for vans/minibuses) |
| Entry/Exit | Unbarriered access; standard signage |
♿ Accessibility
On-Site: Level tarmac, straightforward pedestrian routes
Disabled Drivers: No designated bays—nearest accessible parking at Spring Street MSCP (7 min walk)
Drop-Off: Kerbside lay-by immediately outside lot entrance
🔌 EV Infrastructure
On-Site Chargers: None
Nearest Options:
Hoopers/Rex Short-Stay lot (2 × 7 kW Pod Point; 4 min walk)
Broadway Meadow Long-Stay (2 × 22 kW; 6 min walk)
📅 Peak Times & Occupancy
| Timeframe | Occupancy | Typical Users |
|---|---|---|
| Weekdays 07:00–09:00 | 90 % | Commuters to station |
| Weekdays 12:00–14:00 | 50 % | Shoppers & diners |
| Saturdays 10:00–16:00 | 80 % | Town visitors |
| Evenings after 18:00 | 30 % | Leisure users |
Pro Tip: Arrive before 7:30 am on weekdays to secure a spot for the London commute.
🚶 Walkability Score
| Destination | Walk Time | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Wilmslow Railway Station | 9 min | Direct trains to Manchester & London |
| South Drive Leisure Centre | 3 min | Gym, pool & café |
| Wilmslow Town Centre | 8 min | Shops, eateries & banking |
| Waitrose Supermarket | 5 min | Groceries & short-stay EV charging |
🛒 Nearby Amenities
Essentials
Public toilets: Leisure Centre (3 min)
ATM: HSBC, Water Lane (6 min)
Pharmacy: Boots, Queen’s Parade (7 min)
Food & Drink
The Wilmslow (4 min): Modern British pub
The Alma Inn (5 min): Historic tavern fare
Pizzeria da Gaetano (6 min): Authentic Italian
🅿️ Alternative Parking Comparison
| Site | Distance | Cost | Max Stay | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring Street MSCP | 7 min | £0.80–£5.60 (max 15 h) | 15 h | Covered, 22 disabled bays |
| Broadway Meadow Long-Stay | 6 min | £0.60–£5.60 (max 10 h) | 10 h | More bays (272), on-site EV charge |
| Hoopers/Rex Short-Stay | 4 min | £0.70–£3.20 (max 4 h) | 4 h | Short-visit friendly, EV ready |
⚠️ Important Notices
Free Sundays & Bank Holidays: Parking is free (no ticket needed)
Area Signage: Ensure you park in the long-stay section to avoid fines
Maintenance: Annual surface survey scheduled November 2025
📌 Expert Tips
Permit Holder: Quarterly permit pays for itself after ~46 long-stay visits
RingGo Convenience: Top up remotely to avoid returning early
Weekender Hack: Park here on Saturdays to beat high-street congestion
🔮 Future Developments
Q3 2025: Cheshire East evaluating introduction of on-site EV charger bays
2026: Potential installation of ANPR for cashless enforcement
Own or work here? Claim Now! Claim Now!
