COUNCIL LONG-STAY PARKING CHARGES SET TO RISE ACROSS MUCH OF GWYNEDD

THE cost of parking in parts of Gwynedd is set to rise if a new strategy is approved by decision makers next week.

The move, which would come into affect from April if approved by Gwynedd Council’s Cabinet, would see the first general price rises since 2015 as well as changes to the general cost structure.

The new parking strategy also proposes the roll-out of more cashless payment options, which were introduced last summer, as well as income generating electric vehicle charging points over the coming years.

While the current charging structure in short stay car parks in town centres is not expected to change, the price rises will mainly be felt in long stay car parks with it also being felt there were too many length of stay options.

If approved, the current minium £3 for four hours in the summer or £4.50 for eight hours in ‘Band 2’ long stay car parks would increase to £5 for 12 hours minimum charge - or £3 for 12 hours in the winter months.

In seasonal ‘Band 3’ car parks, the “unsustainably cheap” £1 for four hours or £2 for eight hours charge would change to a minimum of £3 for up to six hours of parking.

It is also proposed to increase the cost an annual parking permit for residents from £125 a year to £140.

Previous moves to scrap the free Christmas parking scheme are not set to be followed-up, however, but the start and finish dates of this year’s scheme are set to be decided later on in the year after suggestions that some retailers may prefer the scheme to extend into the traditionally quieter January period.

“Following a series of meetings with the Parking Task Group, the working group recognised that it was inevitable to increase the current parking fees in order to generate sufficient revenue to address the council’s income target as well as the annual inflation increase,” notes the report.

“The group also acknowledged that a great deal had changed since the council conducted the last review in 2015.

“There is an opportunity now to review the current arrangements and recommend improvements that are in keeping with the situation of the local economy and to maximise the use of software, which is now available.”

Dafydd L Edwards, the head of finance, added: “I note that the new parking fees structure seems to increase prices in some car parks which serve visitors, without increasing the fees in the shopping car parks of the main towns.

“This proposed parking fees structure should benefit local retailers, however, the actual income of the parking service will need to be monitored carefully to ensure that the environment department’s modelling work has forecast this accurately.

“The report notes that some elements require further attention during 2021, such as parking over Christmas, fees for charging points etc. However, the shift to offer more electronic payment methods is certainly welcome.”

The report will be considered by the cabinet when it meets on Tuesday next week (February 16).