Car parking charges to rise in three Norfolk towns

Parking rates will increase at 14 sites, including in Diss (pictured)

Car parking charges are set to rise in three towns in Norfolk.

South Norfolk councillors voted to increase fees at 14 of the authority’s sites in Diss, Loddon and Wymondham.

Councillors insisted the new tariffs, which have been increased for the first time in eight years, would still be affordable for users.

Conservative council leader Daniel Elmer said: "It is important to stress that this is not about trying to subsidise the council on the back of motorists."

The Local Democracy Reporting Service said the proposals were first considered earlier this year, but were pushed back over concerns about parking fees on Sundays. This measure has now been scrapped.

"This is a simple cost-recovery plan," Mr Elmer said. “This is not Norwich and we are not going out of our way to make a profit."

The council owns eight car parks in Diss, two in Harleston, two in Loddon, one in Long Stratton and four in Wymondham.

The sites in Harleston and Long Stratton are operated separately and will remain free.

Charges had been frozen since 2016.

The new rates will see drivers charged £2 for up to three hours, as opposed to £1 for two hours.

The cost of a full day of parking will also increase from £4 to £5.

But all towns will still offer a free first hour of parking.

Conservative councillor Lisa Overton-Neal said: "We are not doing this to make a profit for the council but we do need to have enough money to maintain our car parks without all of our taxpayers shouldering that cost.

"This way, the cost falls on the users, and I believe it is still affordable."

The updated rates are expected to be brought in by next autumn.