Parking fees across Exeter are expected to rise as the city council looks to address financial challenges. Proposed changes, including the introduction of charges in currently free car parks, are intended to help balance the council’s budget amidst a backdrop of long-standing reductions in government funding.
The council’s executive committee is set to review these proposals at an upcoming meeting, where the focus will be on generating additional revenue without raising council tax. Like many local authorities across the country, Exeter has experienced years of funding cuts, leaving it increasingly reliant on local sources of income.
Proposed Fee Adjustments
One of the key elements of the proposed changes is an increase in parking charges across the city centre. If approved, the cost of parking for two hours in the heart of Exeter would rise from £4.50 to £4.90, while the price of an all-day ticket would go up to £18.40 from £18. These adjustments are seen as necessary steps to help maintain essential services amid escalating costs.
Additionally, the council is considering introducing fees at car parks that are currently free. This move is particularly aimed at leisure car parks, where new charges are proposed to prioritise use by their intended visitors rather than those commuting into the city for work or shopping. To accommodate frequent users, particularly members of leisure facilities, a permit system is planned to allow continued access without additional charges.
Addressing Safety Concerns and Business Support
The revenue generated from the increased fees would also be directed towards addressing issues in some of the city’s car parks, specifically concerning anti-social behaviour. Certain areas have been identified as hotspots, and the additional funds would be used to enhance safety and security measures.
The proposed changes are also mindful of the current economic climate, with the council recognising the challenges faced by local businesses. By keeping Sunday parking charges at their current levels, the council hopes to encourage steady footfall throughout the week, supporting retailers and ensuring a balanced approach to revenue generation.
Balancing Revenue and Sustainability
While the council is intent on raising funds, there is an awareness of the potential impact on city centre footfall. A recent decline in car park usage, with nearly 30,000 fewer tickets sold in 2023 compared to the previous year, underscores concerns that further price hikes could deter even more people from parking in the city centre, ultimately reducing income.
However, the council is positioning the changes as part of a broader effort to promote sustainable transport options. By making parking more expensive, the goal is to encourage residents and visitors to consider alternatives such as public transport, cycling, or walking. This aligns with the city’s environmental goals, aiming to reduce reliance on cars and lower carbon emissions.
Measures for Residents
To address concerns from local residents, particularly in areas where parking pressures are high, the council is proposing several specific measures. In certain car parks, such as those in residential areas, changes would prioritise parking for locals during evening hours, helping to ensure that residents have access to parking spaces.
Additionally, the reintroduction of one-hour parking in select car parks outside the city centre is intended to support short visits, making it easier for people to access local shops and services without incurring higher costs for longer stays.
Public Consultation and Future Steps
Before any changes are implemented, the council has committed to a public consultation. This process will allow residents, businesses, and other stakeholders to share their views on the proposed changes and how they may impact the community.
The outcome of the consultation will be critical in shaping the final decisions on parking charges. While the proposed increases could provide much-needed revenue for the council, there are concerns about the potential impact on local businesses and residents, as well as the overall sustainability of the city’s transport infrastructure.
Exeter’s proposed parking fee increases reflect the broader financial pressures facing local councils across the UK. As the city grapples with ongoing reductions in government funding, the council must balance the need to raise revenue with the need to support local businesses and promote sustainable transport. With public consultation set to take place, the final outcome will be closely watched, as it will have significant implications for the city’s future.
