Preston parking charges are set to rise by 33 per cent

Drivers using Avenham car park and Trinity Square car park will be hit by rises affecting hourly and daily rates from April 1.

The daily cost of parking at Avenham car park will increase the most -33 per cent - from £6 to £8.

At Trinity Square, the biggest rise sees the cost of a two to three hour stay increase from £2.50 to £2.70.

Users of Moor Park car park will see a 50p increase.

There are no changes proposed to the tariffs for Hill Street or Market car parks or for the permits to park on the various amenity car parks.

Lancashire County Council, who retain the residents parking income, has indicated no proposed changes to the residents parking permit rates.

Councillor Robert Boswell has also given the green light to increase charges for Preston’s bin delivery and bulky waste by two per cent, and a three per cent hike will be added to the cost of renting a regular allotment plot.

The increases will swell the council’s Community and Environment budget by £20,000.

A Council spokesman said: “The Council has a range of fees and charges for various services, which in turn raises income and helps to keep council tax lower. It’s about striking the right balance between raising income but also providing value for money.

“These are annual increases to fees and charges which take account of running costs and inflation etc. We do monitor our fees and charges and benchmark with other providers to ensure they are fair.

“However, as the amount of Government grant reduces, there will be pressure on the Council to raise more money from fees and charges. This means reviewing not only the amounts charged but also services which could provide new income and revenue streams for the Council.

“With over £4m a year of savings to find by 2021, the Council has to look at all options and increasing, as well as finding new sources of income, has to be part of this.”