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At a meeting last Wednesday, Executive members agreed to progress our Parking Management Strategy.
Charges will vary by location, with costs starting at £1 for an hour.
We understand these charges ask something extra of you when we're all still facing cost of living pressures.
The decision wasn't taken lightly and many options were considered before arriving at this point.
Unfortunately, as is the case for neighbouring councils who’ve already introduced parking charges, our financial situation means we're left with little flexibility or choice.
We face an unprecedented financial emergency caused by year-on-year budget cuts and a steady increase in demand for our services.
We’re doing all we can to urge the government to look at council funding and support us with a fairer deal, but we can’t wait in the hope the government will announce a financial support package - we must take difficult decisions to protect vital local services.
Adopting the strategy will allow us to provide improved parking services that are better managed, maintained and self-funding.
This is crucial in making important savings and freeing up funds that can be reinvested back into our main budget.
The parking charge proposals will now be subject to a further round of detailed design and statutory consultation through a Traffic Regulation Order, before being introduced in 2025.
We’re also in contact with town councils and other organisations to explore options for commercial leases, that would allow them to take on management of the car parks themselves.