Contactless payments mean increased parking charges
A number of changes to parking arrangements in Durham City will include contactless payments being accepted and a hike in charges.
DurhamCountyCouncilsays it is changing charges at some of its off-street and on-street sites from Monday, October 2, as well as bringing in contactlesspaymentsfortomakeparking more convenient.
The authority says the changes will simplify price structures and parking arrangements and allow motorists greater flexibility; while the new on-street fees will also free up spaces for residents.
Charges will be rising at some sites but increases will generally be in line with inflation and are necessary to cover the transaction costs of the contactless payments, the council claims.
Dave Wafer, the council’s strategic traffic manager, said: “The changes we are making will make arrangements at some of our sites easier for motorists to understand, increase flexibility and create more short stay parking in the city for our residents.
“We had a number of people asking us why they could only pay for parking by cash while city centre residents with permits often tell us that they cannot park near their homes because spaces are taken up by visitors. The changes we have made look to address both these points.
“Where charges have gone up we have tried to keep the increase in line with inflation and it is worth stressing that these changes apply only to certain sites.
“On-street parking is available at a number of other locations and we do offer park and ride for just £1.70 a day.”