Councils are increasing parking charges – some by up to 150 per cent – in an attempt to offset austerity cuts, it has emerged.
A Daily Mail survey of 30 local authorities found more than 80 per cent either already had, or were considering, raising charges. Warwickshire county council is increasing fees in Rugby by 150 per cent – from 20p for 30 minutes to 50p – and in Leamington fees are doubling.
According to the council, the rise is a direct result of the need to make £60million in ‘savings’.
Durham county council’s charges have increased by up to 66 per cent. It claimed this was to deter drivers from parking in overcrowded streets.
In Thurrock where the council aims to raise its parking revenue by 16 per cent, a spokesman said: ‘Thurrock council has had to find £10million savings in the current financial year and will have to make £10million savings in the next year too. The proposed increases are part of this cross-council savings package.’
In all, 25 councils said they were increasing parking charges or considering doing so.
British Retail Consortium spokesman Richard Dodd said: ‘If you make it more expensive to park in town centres, people will go elsewhere. That can contribute to killing off town centre retailers, which are so vital for providing local jobs.’
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1353887/Councils-raising-parking-fees-150-offset-cuts.html#ixzz1D4MXJ0qd
