Car parking charge hike recommended for approval

Controversial proposals to increase charges for council-owned car parks and on-street parking areas in Shropshire have been recommended for approval.

The plans, which would see an increase in fees in Shrewsbury as well as changes to tariffs on Sundays and bank holidays across the county, prompted a flurry of objections from businesses and locals, as well as Shrewsbury's Business Improvement District.

Proposals include increases of up to 80p per hour in Shrewsbury's car parks Monday to Saturday.

A Shropshire Council report recommends the hikes go through with the exception of evening charges in two Shrewsbury car parks. The matter is set to be discussed at a cabinet meeting on Wednesday.

The alterations are being floated under plans to encourage drivers to walk, cycle and use public transport.

Proposals put forward at the start of 2024 brought in more than 370 objections.

Complaints included general objections to the price change, the deterring of visitors, and harm to the general economy.

The authority concluded in its report that the increases would be necessary to prompt a change in how motorists travelled into Shrewsbury.

It added the transfer of existing users of parking provision would free up more spaces for new visitors and shoppers.

However, the report said the proposal for evening charges at all Shrewsbury car parks had been reconsidered.

It is now recommended that free evening parking would be retained in car parks at Abbey Foregate and St Julian's Friars.

The authority said the removal of these charges would reduce planned income by about £94,000 a year, but was "necessary to maintain a justifiable, viable solution".

A report previously drawn up by the authority said about £1.76m would be generated from the changes.

Follow BBC Shropshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.