Council rapped after parking fees net £4.5m

Herefordshire Council has made more than £4m net from parking charges, according to new figures

Businesses and residents in Herefordshire have criticised the local authority after it emerged more than £4m net had been made from parking fees in just 12 months.

Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) figures show in 2024/25, Herefordshire Council raised a net £4.44m from car parks and £492,000 net from on-street parking.

Mike Truelove, chief executive of Hereford Business Improvement District (BID), said the charges "remain a major concern for businesses in attracting footfall".

But Herefordshire Council said its parking charges were below average when compared with neighbouring authorities, and they had not risen in more than two years.

Councillor Barry Durkin, cabinet member for roads and regulatory services, said: "Revenue from car parks helps fund well-maintained, accessible parking facilities across Hereford and our market towns.

"This supports residents, shoppers and visitors, and ensures a high turnover of spaces, boosting footfall for local businesses.

"We are acutely aware of the financial pressures facing many households, and will do everything possible to drive efficiencies before, and if, any changes to parking charges are made."

'It seems expensive'

However, Mr Truelove argued fees had "risen disproportionately to inflation" and said alternative methods of travel other than a car "simply isn't realistic in a rural county like Herefordshire with limited public transport".

He urged the council to keep offering visitors free late-night Christmas and festival parking.

Speaking at Hereford's Gaol Street car park, resident Nick Tecza said: "I would come into town to use the shops more if it were cheaper. Towns in Wales seem cheaper and more user-friendly to visit."

Fellow resident Nicky Scudamore said: "It seems expensive when you just come in for some shopping."

And resident Ken Hyde, who was visiting the county hospital, said: "I come in when I have to. I've just spent £3.60 for two hours. That would be 80p in Ludlow."

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This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations.