Parking fees set to go up in parts of Preston

The “small increases” have been signed off by Coun Robert Boswell, and follow other rises in the cost of some council services including cremations and burials, and a 1.99 per cent rise in council tax.

The increased fees apply to Avenham Car Park, as well as some amenity car parks including Plungington Road, with no changes planned for Hill Street, Trinity Square or Market Hall.

A stay of two, three or four hours at Avenham Car Park will now cost 10p more, up to £2.20, £3 and £3.80, with a 12-hour stay to increase from £4.20 to £4.50.

Twelve months ago, the daily cost of parking at Avenham Car Park was upped from £6 up to £8.

Coun Robert Boswell, cabinet member for community and environment, said: “The council is committed to keeping car park charges reasonable and this is reflected with the vast majority of tariffs remaining the same with only small increases on a select few.”

A report to Coun Boswell said: “When reviewing off-street car parking tariffs, it must be borne in mind that the council does not have a monopoly on car parking provision in the city and that consideration must be given to the pricing policy of nearby car parks in the private sector, in addition to the current recovering economy.

“That said, surveys have shown in the past that a user’s choice of car park will not only be based upon price but the location of the car park in relation to their final destination.”

The changes are due to come into force on Thursday, unless they are called in, and are set to be implemented on April 1 this year.