People are being asked to have their say on potential price rises at car parks in Lichfield city centre.

Lichfield District Council says it is considering a number of changes, including the introduction of paying by debit or credit cards.

But the local authority says it also needs to consider increase how much it costs to park in one of its 2,100 bays.

Helen Fisher
Helen Fisher

Councillor Helen Fisher, Cabinet member for tourism and communications, said: “Car parks are vital to the economic wellbeing of Lichfield city centre, and we need to know how local people feel about them and our proposals.

“We are considering a number of changes, including raising the cost of using our car parks.

“We have not increased our charges in city car parks since 2008 and in that time we have absorbed the 2.5% increase in VAT, yet the costs of managing and building new car parks, such as The Friary, have continued to increase.

“So that we can continue to provide safe, clean and secure car parks across the city, and to make sure car parks do not become a burden on council tax payers across the district, we are considering increasing our current car parking charges.

“The charges have been compared to surrounding authorities and we are confident that our parking offer will remain competitive.”

The Beacon Street Area Residents’ Association has previously called for a wider strategy on parking in Lichfield.

The group’s chairman Bob Smith said it was crucial all voices were heard.

“Parking charges are emotive and regarded as a tax on motoring, particularly if delivered by a public body,” he said. “Lichfield District Council does have a monopoly over the public car parks in the city.

“We consider that councils should work with communities to develop a practical parking strategy that will cater to the needs of residents, workers in the city, shoppers, visitors and coaches to park economically.”

People can have their say via the online survey before 5pm on March 31.

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