Drivers could see parking charges increase in a major region across the South East as a local council looks to level prices with inflation.
East Hampshire District Council has proposed a minimum increase of 10 per cent, or around 20p rise, to parking charges at council-owned car parks. If approved, the changes could come into effect from January 1, 2025.
The increases would impact short-stay car parks with one one-hour parking rising as much as 15 per cent in some cases with other hourly rates going up by at least 10 per cent.
The proposed changes include parking charges increasing from £1.30 to £1.50 for one-hour stays, while prices would rise from £1.80 to £2 for two hours of parking. All-day charges could also go up from £8.80 to £9.70.
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Parking charges will go up in January if approved
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The move would also propose 25 per cent increases to season ticket costs which have remained the same price since 2017.
The parking changes are estimated to help raise roughly £40,000 for the local authority in 2024/25 and a staggering £160,000 in 2025/26.
Official council documents detailed: “As councillors will be aware, the pressures on our finances remain with reduced funding from central Government.
“The proposed increases will help contribute towards the financial position of the council and assist in funding the ongoing pressures that the council face.”
At a scrutiny committee meeting, councillors raised serious concerns that higher charges could deter people from shopping in town centres impacting local businesses.
Councillor Elaine Woodard noted that towns like Petersfield, which has a population of 39,300, thrive off tourism and people visiting the region. But the new parking measures could deter people from visiting Alton town centre, further damaging footfall.
A comprehensive review of the parking updates is being put together by the local authority with the hope that information will be available in December with further updates issued again in six months.
Councillor Charlene Maines said that while she agreed with the increases in cost hikes, she warned they should not be substantial.
She added if parking costs were to be introduced the council should also roll outsurveillance cameras to ensure the fees were being paid.
The council officer did note that since the split with Havant Borough Council which was in place for 12 years until 2022, there have been persistent problems with parking ticket collections.
Meanwhile, Councillor David Prodger warned that intervention in the district car parks was a “very contentious issue” which will need to be monitored.
The car parks are currently run by online platform provider Ringo which charges £10,000 per month to use the parking service. The car parks also have an even split between online card payments and cash.
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New parking charges will align with inflation
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The parking charges will be discussed at a cabinet meeting on Thursday, November 14, before heading over to full the council meeting for final approval. If successful, the new charges will come into effect in either January or April next year.