Car park increases set to come into force

An increase in charges for council owned car parks and on street parking is set to come into force on Monday 2 June.

The decision to increase the charges was taken in February and will mean an increased rate from £1 to £1.20 per hour in short car parks, up to a cap of £5, when it will revert to £1 per hour and from £1 to £1.20 an hour in long stay car parks up to three hours, £5 per day or £20 for a weekly ticket.

On street parking will change from 50p to 70p per 30 minutes. All time restrictions in car parks will remain the same.

Libby McCollom, cabinet member for local services, said: “This decision was not taken lightly but, like councils across the country, we have had to make tough decisions to ensure we can provide high quality, essential services for residents.

“It was not sustainable for us to continue to subsidise parking. This small increase will support us in continuing to provide car parking services, road maintenance and highway schemes and was preferable to cutting discretionary services such as grass cutting, street cleaning, community safety and leisure services.

“Town centre parking remains competitively priced and I would urge shoppers to continue to visit the town centre and support our unique independent shops and high street names.”
 

Notes:

• The charge at East Street car park is currently £1 per hour or £2 for the day Monday-Saturday and £1 all day Sunday. This will change to £1.20 per hour or £3 for the day Monday-Saturday; and £2 all day Sunday.
   
• The charge for parking in Central House car park on Saturdays and bank holidays 8am-6pm will change from £4 per day to £5 per day; and at 8am-6pm on Sundays from £1 per day to £2 per day
   
• The charge for parking a car on a Sunday in Chesnut Street car park will change from £1 to £2 per day
   
• The charge for parking on a Sunday in Park Lane car park will change from £1 per day to £2; and a weekly ticket will be available for £32.
   
• On street parking will change from 50p to 70p per 30 minutes or part thereof. The time restrictions will remain the same for each parking place.