Free Warwickshire council parking cut to pay VAT rise

Free parking is being abolished in 27 town centre car parks in Warwickshire.

From January Warwick District Council-run car parks in Warwick, Kenilworth and Leamington Spa, will charge drivers 10p for the first 15 minutes parking.

Currently the first 15 minutes is free but the new charge would cover the 2.5% VAT increase, the council said.

Councillor Dave Shilton said charging a nominal amount meant the Conservative council would not need to increase any other parking charges all year.