PARKING charges for council-run car parks in Northwich are going up once again at the end of the month.
The rise marks the beginning of ‘phase two’ of Cheshire West and Chester Council's (CWAC) parking tariff increases, after Northwich drivers saw rises of 30p on most tariffs back in January 2024.
The council said phase two is needed to support the ‘significant investment’ in parking facilities in recent years, including new payment machines and payment options.
It added before last year, parking charges in the borough had not increased in line with inflation for many years, and in some cases, more than 10 years.
The new charges will come into effect on Thursday, January 30.
CWAC cabinet member for homes, planning and safer communities, Cllr Christine Warner, said: “The new charges will ensure parking is fit for purpose and positively contributes to the borough’s economy, part of the council’s 15-year parking strategy.”
Car parks which will see increases are: Memorial Hall; Victoria Club; Watermans; Verdin; Market; and Cumberland.
The price of short stays of up to two hours will not increase, however all other tariffs will increase by another 20p.
CWAC and Northwich town councillor for Witton, Sam Naylor, said: “Shoppers and businesses will not welcome any increase in charges, but they will appreciate there’s no such thing as free parking.
“They all need to be managed and kept maintained.
“Inflation affects us all, and this includes councils. A modest 20p increase for longer stays still makes Northwich a very competitive shopping destination in terms of car parking charges.”
Conservative shadow cabinet member for homes, planning and safer communities, Hartford ward's Cllr Martin Loftus, said: “This above inflation increase in parking charges will hit shop workers, who are not traditionally highly paid, most.
"Neither will it assist in attracting much needed footfall to the town’s businesses.
"The Labour council often speak of the cost-of-living crisis yet consistently apply above inflation increases to council tax and green bin charges.
"It is time they looked at other sources of funding and reducing waste, rather than continue to pick the pockets of our residents.”
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