Council proposes rise in town car parking charges

The cost of parking in Loughborough could increase on council-run car parks following a proposed review of charges.

Charnwood Borough Council said it planned to increase fees to use the car parks it runs in the town for the first time in 12 years.

The authority said it needed to make up a shortfall in its parking income.

However, the Love Loughborough Business Improvement District (BID) group has warned the plan could harm trade and described the increase as "astronomical".

A report, to be considered by the council's scrutiny commission on Monday, said the move would simplify existing tariffs.

The council proposes that parking would start at £1 an hour, rising to a maximum of £6 for a full day's parking.

The new rate would apply in the Beehive multi-storey car park, in Beehive Lane, and in the Southfields Extension car park.

Further changes to parking prices are proposed at the Browns Lane and Granby Street car parks.

The report said the changes would increase parking income by £180,000 a year.

BID chairman Lez Cope-Newman said: "We have focused our activity on developing a programme of events on Sundays, where discounted car parking fees have been influential in attracting trade and visitors to the town.

"This astronomical increase is going to kill us.”

A council spokesperson said: “Parking charges have remained largely unchanged in Loughborough for 12 years, and in that time, costs have risen significantly.

“To ensure we can continue to offer high-quality parking provision, the council is proposing to increase the charges.

“The proposals are being considered by cabinet [on 8 August], and if approved, then a consultation will take place.”

If the new tariffs are then approved, they would come into force in November, the council said.

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