Drivers across the West Midlands have been warned they face increased parking charges from Monday, as a council implements its first price hike in over five years.
The new rates, set to take effect on November 4, will see full-day parking fees in Wolverhampton council-owned car parks double from £4.50 to £9 in some cases.
The move aims to align city centre charges with privately owned car parks and address significant financial challenges faced by the council.
However, the decision has sparked concerns among local businesses and shoppers about its potential impact on the already struggling city centre.
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The price increase will impact all council-owned car parks in Wolverhampton's city centre. According to the council, the new charges have been zoned to remain cheaper outside the city centre.
Seasonal parking permits will still be available, offering discounts of 10 per cent per quarter and 20 per cent per annum, with business permits still able to receive discounts of up to 25 per cent.
Wolverhampton City Council has cited significant financial challenges as the primary reason for the parking charge increase, with the local authority needing to save £32.6million over the next three years.
The new pricing structure introduces a tiered system across the city. Zone 1 areas, such as Church Lane and Oxford Street, will charge £3 for up to four hours and £4 for over four hours.
Zone 2, including Bell Street and Market, will see rates of £1 for up to one hour, rising to £8 for over four hours. Zone 3 car parks, like Broad Street and Faulkland Street, will charge £1.50 for up to one hour, increasing to £9 for over four hours.
The new charges are expected to generate an additional £1million annually towards this goal. A council spokesperson stated: "This money will also help protect critical frontline services and provide support for the most vulnerable and needy in the city."
The council argued that new rates are comparable with neighbouring local authorities and reflect the increased costs of running the parking service.
They also emphasise that “well-maintained” car parking facilities are crucial for Wolverhampton's future development and ongoing city centre investments.
However, the move to hike charges has left many drivers furious with one resident expressing concern about the impact on local businesses, saying: "Anyone with any sense would give at least two hours free to encourage people to use the town. As for putting it up along with all the pedestrianisation it's a waste of money, the place is dead already."
Another driver worried about the future of Wolverhampton's retail sector, said: "Unreal. Wolverhampton is already dead. Lots of empty shops. Bilston currently [has] free car parking... Once you have to pay in Bilston that will kill it."
Local residents fear the price hike will drive shoppers to out-of-town retail parks with free parking, further damaging the city centre's economy.
The Conservatives in Wolverhampton have strongly criticised the council's parking charge increase which was announced earlier this month.
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Councillor Simon Bennett, Leader of the Conservative Group, condemned the plan as "short-sighted and out of touch with the needs of residents and businesses".
Bennett argued that Wolverhampton is already struggling to attract visitors to its city centre, and the substantial increase in parking charges would further deter potential visitors.
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