Parking charge rise could bring in extra £220,000 a year

CHESHIRE East was yesterday (Tuesday) considering plans to increase parking charges to raise an extra £220,000 a year.

The council’s executive director of Place, Frank Jordan, says the council has missed out on more than £1m by not increasing its charges over the past years.

The new charges - which see 10p imposed on most tariffs and 20p on some long stay, will apply to all paid-for car parks in Macclesfield, including those at the Town Hall, Churchill Way, Duke Street, Exchange Street, Park Green, Waters Green, and the multi-stories at Jordangate and the Grosvernor Centre.

The ‘Free after three’ offer at Whalley Hayes car park, which provides free parking after 3pm, will also be scrapped.

The matter was due to be discussed yesterday afternoon (Tuesday) as the Express went to press, by the environment and regeneration overview and scrutiny committee which will give its views to cabinet members who will make the final decision on October 10.

The increased charges will also apply to car parks in Crewe, Nantwich, Wilmslow, Congleton, Alderley Edge and Knutsford, but there are no plans to bring Sandbach, Alsager, Middlewich, and Holmes Chapel into line with the rest of the borough - and all their car parks will remain free.

There was no explanation in the report for why some towns in the borough pay to park and others do not.

Mr Jordan stated in his report: “The proposal will enable the council to continue to invest in the local infrastructure and highways by providing safe and well maintained parking facilities and support increase in trade to our local businesses.

“By allowing sensible enforcement of the parking restrictions, we can keep our roads clear for the safe passage of emergency vehicles.”