Bristol's resident parking permits rise from £56 to £178

Resident parking zone permits were introduced by Bristol City Council in 2011

A city's resident parking permits are set to more than triple in cost, from £56 to £178 a year.

Bristol City Council approved the decision at a cabinet meeting held on 23 January.

They said the change "reflects the value of road space and the increasing need to support other modes [of transport]".

Households will also no longer be able to obtain a permit for a third car.

Parking zone permits were first introduced by Bristol City Council in 2011.

Originally, the permits were meant to stop commuters driving into the city and parking on residential streets near the centre.

But the current Labour administration claim they have failed to deliver, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

The council said prioritising parking for residents may have led to an increase in drivers taking shorter local trips by car, as "these residents can be more confident of a parking space when they return home".

Renting 'street space'

Councillor Don Alexander, cabinet member for transport, said "street space" was for all not just for those who have cars or use cars.

"This is public space and we're currently renting it out for £56 a year, a very small amount of money when you talk about the opportunity loss," he said.

"Yes many people use cars, quite legitimately, I have no problem with that. But many people don't, they want to cycle, they want to walk, and they want to socialise in their streets."

But Green Councillor Martin Fodor, said the scheme was "chaotic".

"Half my ward has parking managed, and you're proposing to change that," he said.

"The other half has no parking management, it's chaotic, and you're not proposing to change that or find any solutions."

He also called for evidence that higher fees would encourage people to walk, cycle or get the bus instead.

Mr Alexander, said it was "just plain obvious" that people paying "more to rent a piece of public space to park" would be "more likely to think about not having a car".

"Some people will decide that," he said.

"Then that space will be available for a tree, or sustainable drainage, or a bike hangar, which is the kind of thing that our party wants."