Address: Fromefield / North Parade, Frome BA11 2AB
Latitude / Longitude: 51.2331567, -2.3172333
Note: Local signage commonly refers to this site as “North Parade Car Park”; BA11 2AB is widely used for navigation.

🚗 Type: Council long-stay Pay & Display (surface, open-air)
🕒 Open: 24/7 (charging hours 09:00–18:00 daily)
🌟 Rating: Not consistently rated on mainstream review platforms (no stable Google aggregate at the time of writing)

💰 Pricing & Permits

Headline Tariff (as of September 2025)

• Mon–Sat (09:00–18:00):
  • Up to 4 hours: £2.20
  • All day (until 18:00): £3.60
• Sunday (09:00–18:00):
  • All day: £2.30

Hours of Control: Payable between 09:00 and 18:00. Outside these hours the car park remains accessible without a charge.

Payment Methods:

• PayByPhone (location code 801804).
  On-site machines have, at times, been out of service; app payment is the reliable default. Always follow current signage.

Blue Badge:

• Free in any bay when a valid Blue Badge is displayed in accordance with local rules.

Motorcycles:

• Use the designated motorcycle bay; typically free when parked wholly within the marked motorcycle area (follow signage).

Max Stay / Return:

• Maximum stay 1 day. You may return the next day (no continuous multi-day parking without daily renewal unless holding an appropriate season ticket).

Season Tickets (MiPermit):

• 3 days/week: approx. £37 (1 month) · £108 (3 months) · £210 (6 months) · £410 (12 months)
• 7 days/week: approx. £60 (1 month) · £175 (3 months) · £345 (6 months) · £682 (12 months)
  Season tickets are a smart choice for regular town-centre workers and students; check current rates and availability in the MiPermit portal before purchase.

Policy Watch:

• Somerset-wide tariff harmonisation and Sunday-charging policy remain under review during 2025. Keep an eye on local announcements; rates and rules can change following consultations and budget cycles.

📊 Capacity & Physical Features

Ingress / Egress & Traffic Pattern

• Typical approach is via Fromefield / North Parade, feeding in from the A362/A361 corridors. The layout allows for straightforward entry and exit without internal one-way mazes.
• Sightlines are generally clear, but do take care near entrances at peak times, especially when pedestrians are crossing to the riverside paths and toward town.

Signage & Bay Markings

• Standard council signage sets out hours of control, tariffs, Blue Badge entitlements, maximum stay, and EV charging conditions.
• Bays are standard width; if you drive a large van or wider SUV, choose end bays for easier door clearance.

♿ Accessibility

• Blue Badge holders may park free of charge when a valid badge is displayed and all conditions on signage are met.
• Marked disabled bays: 2 near flatter, more accessible routes. If these are occupied, Blue Badge holders are permitted to use any standard bay (display the badge and clock where required).
• Surface & gradients: Generally level, open-air surface with conventional kerbs at perimeters; pedestrian routes to town use standard pavements.
• Ticketing/app use: If physical machines are unavailable, app-based parking (PayByPhone) avoids the need to reach a meter. Consider setting up the app beforehand for convenience.
• Kerb ramps & crossings: The immediate environs include dropped kerbs at typical crossing points; allow additional time if mobility support is required when heading toward the Cheese & Grain or Market Place.

🔌 EV Infrastructure

• On-site charging: 3 dual-output fast chargers (6 connectors in total) on the Blink network (speeds suitable for workplace/destination charging rather than high-power rapid top-ups).
• Parking while charging: Standard parking tariffs apply in addition to any EV charging session fees. Always start a valid parking session (during charging hours) and your charging session via the network/app.
• Connector etiquette: Move on when you’ve reached your target SOC to free bays for others; idle fees may apply depending on the provider’s policy.

Nearest Rapid Options (for faster top-ups):

• Frome Station Approach (BP Pulse): Rapid DC units suitable for short, higher-power boosts when on the move.
• Supermarket / retail sites (various in BA11): A mix of fast and occasional rapid units; charging conditions (free vs paid, dwell limits) vary by operator.

Tip: If you arrive to find the six on-site connectors occupied, check live-status in the EV app of your choice before driving to the next site. Having at least two network apps installed (e.g., Blink plus BP Pulse) improves resilience.

📅 Peak Times & Occupancy (Typical Patterns)

Context & Flow:
Fromefield (North Parade) sits close enough to the heart of Frome to serve the Market Place, Cheap Street, Catherine Hill, and Cheese & Grain footfall. Availability thins on event days, particularly the first Sunday of most months when the Frome Independent draws significant regional visitors. Arriving before 09:30 is a practical rule of thumb on those Sundays. On regular weekdays, the morning commuter pulse eases after 10:00, often making late morning a good arrival window for errands.

🚶 Walkability Score

Walking times are approximate, based on typical pedestrian speeds and route choices.

🛒 Nearby Amenities

Essentials

• Public Toilets: The most reliable nearby facilities are at Cattle Market Car Park (Bridge Street), a short walk from this site.
• Cash & Banking: While many local traders are card-first, ATMs are positioned around Market Place and within major supermarkets on the town-centre fringe.
• Pharmacy & Health: Pharmacies cluster near the central shopping streets; check opening hours, especially on Sundays.
• Tourist Information: Look out for community noticeboards and venue staff at the Cheese & Grain for event pointers and maps.

Food & Drink

• Cheese & Grain Café: Popular stop for coffee, light bites, and pre-event refreshments.
• Market Place / Catherine Hill: Dense with independent cafés, delis, bakeries, and restaurants—ideal for brunch and casual dining.
• Supermarkets: A short drive from the car park finds the larger stores; useful for longer trips when you want food-to-go or a quick top-up shop.

Family-Friendly Touches

• Parks & Play: Victoria Park provides space for young children to run off energy before or after errands.
• Rain Plan: Independent bookshops and galleries around Catherine Hill and St Catherine’s offer cosy browsing on wet days.

🅿️ Alternative Parking Comparison

Notes:

• Policies and tariffs vary by site; always check on-site signage.
• On Frome Independent Sundays, start with Cattle Market for higher capacity; Fromefield (North Parade) can fill before mid-morning.

⚠️ Important Notices

• App-first payment: If on-site machines are unavailable, PayByPhone (code 801804) is the fastest way to stay compliant.
• EV parking rule: Parking charges apply in addition to charging fees when using the on-site EV bays.
• Motorhomes / Trailers: You must pay for each bay fully or partly occupied by your vehicle combination. Choose edge bays to keep within markings.
• Overnight parking: The site is open 24/7; no overnight surcharge is advertised. Be considerate with lighting and noise; avoid obstructing morning commuter flow.
• PCN pitfalls: The most common reasons for Penalty Charge Notices include (1) no active session during charging hours, (2) expired session, and (3) parking outside of bay markings or in a disabled bay without a Blue Badge.
• Event congestion: Allow extra time on first-Sunday market days and for evening events at the Cheese & Grain.
• Policy changes: Tariffs, hours of control, and Blue Badge concessions may change following annual budget reviews or county-wide harmonisation.

📌 Expert Tips

1) All-Day Value Play
If your stay will exceed 4 hours on Mon–Sat, go straight for the All Day (£3.60) option—cheaper than topping up and less hassle between appointments or a long lunch.

2) Market Day Strategy (First Sunday)
Arrive by 09:30 for the best choice of bays. If full, switch to Cattle Market Car Park, which offers greater capacity and on-site toilets—handy for families and event-goers.

3) EV Backup Plan
Save at least one rapid location in your apps (e.g., Frome Station Approach – BP Pulse) as your contingency. If all six on-site connectors are taken, a short drive for a rapid top-up can be faster than waiting.

4) Blue Badge Convenience
If the two disabled bays are taken, Blue Badge holders may still use any standard bay free of charge (observe display rules). Position close to dropped kerbs to simplify your onward route.

5) Van & LWB Vehicles
No height barrier makes this car park van-friendly. For longer wheelbase vehicles, favour end bays to keep within markings and avoid PCNs.

6) App Set-Up Before You Go
Install PayByPhone and pre-load card details while you’re on Wi-Fi. If mobile signal is patchy for you, consider screenshotting your session confirmation or enabling notifications.

7) Two-Stop Days
Planning to split your day between town centre shopping and Victoria Park or the riverside? Choose a bay near the pedestrian desire line (toward Fromefield) to reduce backtracking.

8) Evening Out
Although tariffs end at 18:00, demand can still be lively around popular dining hours and events. If you’re meeting friends near Catherine Hill, aim to arrive before 19:00 for easier parking and a gentler walk.

🔮 Future Developments

• Somerset-Wide Parking Policy: The council is progressing through a multi-year process of tariff harmonisation. Expect possible tweaks to Sunday charging, season ticket structures, and EV bay rules as systems and budgets evolve.
• EV Infrastructure Growth: With EV adoption rising, councils and networks regularly review charger utilisation. Additional fast or even rapid units may be considered if occupancy remains high, especially around event venues.
• Public Realm Enhancements: Frome frequently explores streetscape improvements and connectivity between car parks and pedestrian routes. Wayfinding, lighting, and surface maintenance are typical focus areas that can subtly improve the day-to-day parking experience.
• Digital Parking Tools: Over time, app interoperability and live occupancy insights may expand. Keep your parking apps updated to benefit from real-time notices, renewal reminders, and (where supported) occupancy hints.

Practical Visitor Scenarios (So You Can Choose Confidently)

A) Shopper’s Two-Hour Window (Weekday, Late Morning)

• Aim for arrival around 10:30–11:00, when the commuter peak has tapered.
• Start a 2–3 hour session via PayByPhone, giving you enough time to stroll Cheap Street, grab lunch, and pick up pharmacy items.
• If you’re collecting bulky items later, consider an end bay for easier loading.

B) Full-Day Town & Park (Saturday)

• Choose the All Day £3.60 option on arrival before 10:00.
• Walk to Victoria Park first (cooler mornings), then loop back through Market Place for shopping and a café stop.
• If you’re eyeing evening plans, you won’t need extra payment beyond 18:00.

C) Hospital Appointment Buffer

• For appointments at Frome Community Hospital, allow a 15-minute walking buffer plus check-in time.
• If mobility is limited, drop your passenger near the hospital entrance first, then park here and meet them inside.

D) EV Owner on a Busy Sunday

• If all six on-site connectors are occupied, open your EV network app while parking to check Frome Station Approach rapid availability.
• Start your parking session first, then your charging session. If you decide to move to a rapid, end both sessions before departure to avoid idle fees.

E) Family Day During the Frome Independent

• Arrive by 09:00–09:15. If the car park is already near capacity, divert directly to Cattle Market.
• Use toilets at Cattle Market before heading into town; it’s a smoother day with little ones.

Quick Reference (Copy-Me Summary)

• Site Name: Fromefield (North Parade) Car Park, Frome BA11 2AB
• Type: Council long-stay, surface car park, 24/7 access
• Pay Hours: 09:00–18:00 (Mon–Sun)
• Tariffs: Mon–Sat: up to 4h £2.20; all day £3.60 · Sun: all day £2.30
• Pay Method: PayByPhone app (801804)
• Blue Badge: Free in any bay (display badge; follow rules)
• Capacity: 87 standard bays · 2 disabled bays · 1 motorcycle · 6 EV connectors
• Height Limit: None
• Best For: Town centre shopping, events at Cheese & Grain, visits to Victoria Park, hospital appointments
• Peak Alert: First Sunday (Frome Independent) = very busy. Arrive early or use Cattle Market
• EV Tip: If on-site bays are full, try Frome Station Approach for rapid charging

Final Notes for Accuracy & Updates

Every effort has been made to provide current, location-accurate information as of September 2025. Parking rules and prices can change with little notice due to maintenance, policy revisions, or operator updates. Always follow on-site signage—it is the definitive source at the moment you park. If you’d like, I can maintain this listing for you and issue a refreshed edition whenever tariffs or facilities change.