The Warrington Borough Council has announced a proposal to increase the prices of off-street car parking in various locations across the city. The council attributes this price hike to inflation, stating that the cost of providing enforcement services and managing and maintaining the car parks has risen over the past few years.
The proposed price increases will affect several car parks, including The Forge in Stockton Heath, Winwick Street, Town Hall, Town Hill, Davies Way, Henry Street, Pepper Street, Time Square multi-storey, Time Square surface level, Birchwood railway station, and Warrington West railway station.
In a statement, a council spokesman emphasized the importance of balancing accessibility and affordability for residents, visitors, and shoppers who use the car parks. The council aims to maintain high-quality parking provision while covering the rising operational costs associated with managing the car parks.
To achieve a savings target of £60,000 per year, the council plans to implement price increases in line with the consumer price index between 2022 and 2024, which amounts to 10.8 percent. The proposed new prices will come into effect in December, pending approval.
The council is accepting written representations both in support and objection to the proposed price increases. Interested parties can submit their feedback via email or post, with all objections required to specify the grounds on which they are made. The deadline for submissions is November 14.
Here is a breakdown of the proposed new prices for some of the key car parks in Warrington:
– The Forge: Prices will increase slightly, with the highest charge being £2.70 for over three hours of parking.
– Winwick Street: Daily rates will go up to £3.70, reflecting the inflationary adjustments.
– Town Hall: The new prices range from £1.70 to £3.40 for various durations of parking.
– Davies Way, Henry Street, and Pepper Street: Prices will be adjusted to cover increased operational costs, with rates varying based on the duration of parking.
– Birchwood Railway Station and Warrington West Railway Station: Prices will see a slight increase to align with inflation.
– Time Square Multi-Storey and Time Square Surface Level: Prices for different time slots will be adjusted, with the highest charge being £7 for all-day parking.
Additionally, the council offers public contract pre-pay permits for regular parkers, with discounted rates for annual subscriptions. These permits provide a convenient and cost-effective option for frequent users of the car parks.
Overall, the proposed price increases aim to strike a balance between maintaining quality parking services and covering the rising costs associated with managing the car parks. The council encourages feedback from the community to ensure that the changes align with the needs and expectations of residents and visitors in Warrington.
