A councillor has said that a plan to increase car park charges in the city centre is long overdue.
Lichfield District Council’s Cabinet has backed a plan which will see short stay prices rounded up to the nearest pound, meaning short stay prices will go up:
- One hour – up 10p to £1
- Two hours – up 20p to £2
- Three hours – up 40p to £3
- Four hours – up 40p to £4
- All day – up £1 to £8
Meanwhile, long stay prices will also increase:
- Four hours – up 10p to £2.10
- Six hours – up 20p to £3.20
- All day – up 30p to £4.30
Cllr Christopher Spruce, Cabinet member for finance and democracy, said that while he recognised increases would not be welcomed, the council had been forced to think about how it can balance the books.
“The issue of car park charges is always a difficult one,” he said. “People don’t like paying them. That’s why we consistently see people parking in Tesco and walking into the city centre.
“But I can understand why we are looking to take the decisions we have. As a council, we have not done ourselves any favours by not changing the prices for eight years. Because of that it looks like a big percentage increase in one go. However, the fact is that the need to increase the prices has been in the incubator for quite some time.
“There is a constant balancing act with the need for resources in all areas. We either have to continue making cuts or look to find new ways to generate income.
“When you consider that these changes could introduce an extra £180,000 it becomes clear that it is the right decision.”
