Council learning lessons over Rotherham Show parking complaints

There were 20 complaints on social media about the cost, introduced this year for vehicles using Herringthorpe Playing Fields.

Organisers Rotherham Borough Council said the income would help keep the annual event free to enter amid falling budgets.

Polly Hamilton, assistant director for tourism, said: “There was lots of learning, notably about pricing sensitivity. 

“On the whole, people feel comfortable about paying £3 and less comfortable about paying £5.

“But a number of members of the public also said that it was a reasonable charge, particularly as the show was free to enter.

“We are in the process of doing a full debrief on the show. We did get a good response to car parking, particularly on the Sunday when there were over 1,000 cars.

“People were very understanding of the need to charge, and grateful that it would go directly to ensuring that the show could be delivered and remain free.”