Car parking charges to be reviewed this year

Calderdale Council does not plan to reverse parking charge changes across the district at the moment – but there will be a review later this year.

A senior councillor said since extended charging periods were introduced from autumn 2021 not many complaints had been received and drivers complied with them.

Mark Edwards said: “Given the challenging financial circumstances of high street businesses, would the cabinet commit itself to undertake an urgent review of the adverse impact extended parking charges are having on Sowerby Bridge and the wider Calderdale community.”

But Coun Jenny Lynn (Lab, Park), responding to a question asked at cabinet, said there was a need to ensure turnover of spaces in town centres..

Their introduction had been delayed for a year in the face of the pandemic and chargesforparkingontheedges of the town centre five minutes’ walk away were cheaper, she said.

“Since charges were introduced in late 2021 there have been few complaints and the level of compliance has been high,” said Coun Lynn, cabinet member for public services and communities.

A further review of charges was scheduled for later this year and in the interim she did not expect another review into them at this point, she added.

The autumn 2021 changes saw existing charges in Halifax’s short stay council parking areas, Hebden Bridge, Sowerby Bridge and West Vale extended until 8pm, charges extendedtoSundaysandbank holidays in Halifax town centre short stay car parks and on-street spaces and bank holidays becoming chargeable in Hebden Bridge.