City centre car parking charges increased

The parking charge changes will be enforced from 1 April

Parking charges across Durham will increase this Spring despite concerns it will deter people from visiting and impact businesses.

Durham County Council’s proposals to increase charges for on and off-street parking were approved on Monday, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

On-street parking will increase from 20p-80p a half hour to 30p-90p between 08:00 GMT and 18:00 GMT. Meanwhile, charges for all council-owned off-street parking will increase, with some extending to Sundays.

The council said the new measures will help reduce congestion and emissions.

The local authority, run by a Conservative/Liberal Democrat/Independents coalition, also said the changes would bring council-owned car parks in line with private sector parking providers in the city.

New prices at council owned off-street car parks will see visitors pay up to 20p more per hour, including Sundays, at The Sands, Providence Row and Sidegate.

Park and Ride services at Belmont and Sniperley will be extended to operate on Sundays, with some concessionary fares increasing by up to 30p.

Opposition

There were warnings it could have a detrimental impact on local trade and footfall.

Councillor Marion Wilson told the Highways Committee meeting: "Bringing in charges, especially on Sundays, is going to deter visitors and locals as well."

Meanwhile, Councillor Danny Wood said he was concerned by the hundreds of people who objected to the proposals. Council papers show 302 respondents opposed the changes and 19 were in favour.

But David Freeman, a county councillor for Elvet and Gilesgate, supported the proposals after saying residents struggle to park by their homes due to visitors taking up nearby spaces.

There is also a hope that the increased charges will ensure visitors reconsider where they park or use the Park and Ride facilities, he added.