Following much discussion and consideration the Board of Directors have made the decision to charge for on-site car parking on match days. 

Clearly having provided free parking (with exception of recent matches v Scunthorpe and Hereford) since the return of football in 2000 to Harbury Lane it is not one that we have taken lightly and has involved much debate.

The main factors are the cost of reparation work each year to the car park and training pitch plus additionally the damage to the training pitch when it has to be utilised for overflow car parking. 

Depending upon weather conditions when used for such a purpose there is the additional matter that this sometimes makes the training pitch unusable for short periods for both the Ladies and Mens First Teams and interferes with the match preparation of both teams.

Through increased car sharing and provision of a Free Match Day Bus Service on Saturdays we hope to reduce the instances when the training pitch has to be utilised for car parking. The recent games versus Scunthorpe and Hereford showed that car sharing had a considerable impact in reducing the number of vehicles accessing the site.  We fully understand that car sharing and use of the free bus service is not practicable for everyone and have thus reduced the price of car parking from the two recent games of £5 to £3 provided tickets are purchased in advance.  For those who do not purchase tickets in advance, the charge on match day will be £5 with payment by card or cash accepted. The charges will be introduced commencing the forthcoming game versus Chester FC on Tuesday.

As this is being introduced during the course of the season, season ticket holders (includes VP’s) will on production of their cards be allowed free car parking for the remainder of this season.

We are in the process of determining what will be the best process for fans who wish to car share with individuals from their own respective location but in the meantime would suggest you liaise through the Brakes Trust and LFC Volunteer supporters groups.  If that does not work for you please email info@leamingtonfc.co.uk stating name and location and we will put you in touch with any likeminded individuals who contact us.  We will additionally run a ‘help desk’ pre-match in the grey unit next to the turnstiles for the next three matches (Chester, Darlington and Marine) to aid any fans wishing to get in touch with each other re possible car sharing. 

Additionally, we hope that by having the Saturday free bus service from town that this will also attract additional supporters to games plus increased use of the clubhouse and bar facilities. Certain identified high profile mid-week fixtures may have a free bus service if required, and if we see increased demand or interest we would like in an ideal world to run the free service for most mid-week games.  

The free bus service will depart from Leamington Railway Station at 1.50pm and 2.20pm on Saturdays, stopping outside the Windmill Pub on Tachbrook Road, thus providing the opportunity for any fans who wish to park their cars in Ashbourne Drive (unrestricted parking and next to Wickes almost opposite the pub) to utilise the service.  Post match the service will leave for the Railway Station at 5pm with a further journey at 5.30pm.

There will be an end of season review and engagement with supporters with regard to the introduction of car parking charges plus provision of the free bus services.

Board of Directors

Leamington Football Club