'Drastic' 400% rise in town's parking charges

Drivers are facing a “drastic” 400% rise in town centre parking charges following a decision made by councillors.

The changes approved by Calderdale Council would mean fees for "premium" on-street spaces in Brighouse would increase from 40p to £2 per hour.

The council's cabinet member for regeneration and transport, Sarah Courtney, said that the rise was to encourage people to use larger, off-street facilities during times of high demand.

However, councillor Howard Blagborough said the charges risked deterring people from shopping and visiting the town he represents.

He added: “I’ve already seen one business relocate because residents are choosing to shop elsewhere to avoid parking charges."

On-street bays would also be removed as part of a Town Deal regeneration project to improve public areas such as the market.

In Brighouse the new charges would apply to short-stay spaces on Commercial Street, Bradford Road, King Street, Market Street, Gooder Street and Briggate. Blue Badge holders are exempt.

Some spaces in Halifax and Hebden Bridge would also be subject to the new pricing structure, the council meeting heard.

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, the increased revenue would generate around £100,000 for the council.

Ms Courtney said that on-street tariffs were usually higher to encourage drivers to use cheaper car parks and prevent streets being "clogged up" by cars waiting for spaces.

She added that even at peak times, analysis had found that around 160 spaces were available in off-street car parks in Brighouse.

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