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Festive boost for Sutton Coldfield with free parking, bus travel and cycle use

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Shoppers and visitors to Royal Sutton Coldfield are set for a major festive boost, as a popular scheme offering free parking, discounted bus travel, and free cycle hire returns this November..

While the scheme will be welcome, residents are reminded that free parking only applies to council-run car parks at certain times and not private car parks in the town.

The travel initiative, which comes through a £52,000 investment from Sutton Coldfield Town Council, is supported by the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA).

It is designed to support both local residents and the town’s businesses during the crucial festive trading period, making it cheaper and easier to enjoy everything the town centre has to offer.

Free parking details

In a significant move, free parking will be available in key Birmingham City Council-owned town centre car parks from Thursday, 13 November 2025, until Sunday, 4 January 2026.

The free parking schedule is as follows:

The offer applies on Thursdays and Fridays from 4pm onwards and all day Saturdays and Sundays at the following car parks in the town.

  • Station Street
  • Upper Reddicroft
  • Lower Reddicroft
  • Mill Street
  • Anchorage Road
  • South Parade
  • Duke Street

Expanded travel options

Building on the success of last year’s scheme, the offer extends beyond just parking. Residents have a choice of sustainable and cost-effective ways to get into town:

  1. Free and discounted travel: Individuals* can sign up for two weeks of free bus travel followed by ongoing discounted fares through the Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) scheme.
  2. Free cycle hire: Residents can also cycle into the town centre for free using the West Midlands Combined Authority’s public bike hire scheme, which the Town Council helps to fund.

How to acces the bus travel offer

To take advantage of the free and discounted bus travel, residents must sign up for the Royal Sutton Coldfield Town Council mailing list by 10am on Monday, 10th November 2025. Further details and a unique access code will be sent via an e-newsletter after this date.

You can sign up using the form here: http://eepurl.com/di-Cwr

*Please note: If you have applied for this specific bus transport offer in a previous year, you will not be eligible for the new free and discounted bus tickets.

Supporting Sutton’s town centre

Councillor Simon Ward, Leader of Royal Sutton Coldfield Town Council, emphasised the scheme’s importance: “Whilst it’s great to see new investment with work starting on new stores and the Gateway Scheme, we fully recognise the need to support the town centre’s diverse range of businesses through the crucial festive period.”

He added, “Subsidising free car parking and promoting free bus and cycle hire will make it cheaper and easier for people to travel into the town centre and make the most of our fantastic festive offer. We also want to give visitors a choice of different ways to travel, including opportunities to try more sustainable options.”

News

Reaction to Sutton Park’s new parking Fees

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Council revises original charging plan

Charges for parking at Sutton Park are set to go ahead, but Birmingham City Council has announced revised charges after a public outcry.

Parking fees at three of the city’s most desirable parks: Sutton Park, Lickey Hills Country Park, and Sheldon Country Park. This decision arises from the council’s persistent financial difficulties, as they seek new revenue streams following significant budget cuts and a second consecutive rise in council tax.

A recent public consultation revealed that a majority of residents are against the proposed parking charges. Despite the considerable opposition, the Labour-run council maintains that these fees are crucial for covering the costs associated with park maintenance. They recognize that parking charges can be “controversial and unpopular,” yet stress that the income generated will not entirely cover maintenance expenses, necessitating ongoing taxpayer support.

In response to public feedback, the council has made minor adjustments to the proposed fees:

Sutton Park & Lickey Hills Country Park:

  • £1 per hour (up to 4 hours)
  • £5 for all-day parking
  • £52 for an annual permit
  • Charges apply 9 am–6 pm, 365 days a year, with a 30-minute free grace period.

Sheldon Country Park:

  • £0.75 per hour (up to 3 hours)
  • £3.50 for all-day parking
  • £52 for an annual permit
  • Same operating hours and grace period as above.

The council argues that implementing parking fees at major parks is “common practice” throughout the UK and aligns with “national best practice.”

They believe that the revised fees could help alleviate the impact on local businesses while attracting more visitors. The council aims to balance the need for revenue with the desire to maintain accessibility to these premium green spaces.

However, critics express concern that these charges may discourage individuals, particularly lower-income families, from enjoying the parks. There is apprehension that local businesses, which depend on park visitors, could face adverse effects due to diminished foot traffic.

What do you think about Sutton Park charges? Do you believe it’s truly justified?