Parking costs in Exeter could rise significantly as part of a series of measures being considered by the city council to address ongoing financial difficulties. A newly released report proposes an array of parking fee increases and the introduction of charges at some currently free locations, with the aim of boosting local revenue to support essential services.
Councillors will review the recommendations at a special meeting next week. The potential price hikes are being proposed as part of the council’s efforts to mitigate rising operational costs and ease the need for further increases to council tax.
Local Government Funding Struggles
Like many councils across the country, Exeter has seen its funding from central government shrink over the last decade. This prolonged reduction has left local authorities increasingly dependent on generating revenue through other means, including parking fees. The latest proposals are part of a broader strategy to raise the funds necessary to continue providing essential services.
If the new charges are implemented, parking for two hours in Exeter’s city centre could rise from £4.50 to £4.90. All-day parking could see a smaller increase, from £18 to £18.40. In addition, plans are in place to reintroduce one-hour parking at selected locations on the outskirts of the city centre, such as Belmont Road and Parr Street, in an attempt to encourage short-term visits to the city’s shops and businesses.
Another key proposal is to restrict overnight parking at Belmont Road to local residents, a response to concerns about students and temporary visitors occupying spaces for long periods, leaving residents without sufficient access.
Tackling Anti-Social Behaviour
Part of the extra revenue from the proposed increases would be used to address a rise in anti-social behaviour in some car parks, with certain areas being identified as problematic. Some of the city’s car parks, which are often busy with both tourists and residents, have become hotspots for disruptive behaviour. By increasing funding, the council hopes to improve management and safety in these areas.
Impact on Local Businesses
The council’s proposals come at a difficult time for businesses in Exeter’s city centre. Ongoing economic challenges, including inflation and rising costs, have already placed considerable strain on many shops and other businesses. Any reduction in visitor numbers due to increased parking charges could exacerbate these issues.
In a bid to soften the impact, the council plans to keep Sunday parking fees unchanged. The aim is to spread visitor traffic more evenly across the week, giving businesses some respite on what is traditionally a quieter trading day.
Additionally, the council is looking to introduce parking fees at several leisure sites that have until now been free. These charges are intended to ensure that car parks at leisure facilities are used by their intended users rather than those working or shopping nearby. However, regular users of the leisure facilities will receive permits allowing them to park without incurring extra costs.
Encouraging Sustainability and Balancing Finances
One of the council’s goals in increasing parking fees is to promote more sustainable travel options. By making car parking more expensive, the council hopes to encourage people to consider alternatives such as public transport, walking, or cycling when travelling into the city centre.
However, the report also acknowledges the risks of such a shift. Fewer people choosing to park in the city could lead to a significant drop in parking revenue, which would further complicate the council’s already strained finances. In 2023, nearly 30,000 fewer parking tickets were sold compared to the previous year, reflecting changing travel habits, including the growing trend of online shopping and reduced car usage.
While higher parking fees may incentivise greener travel, there are concerns that this could create financial difficulties for the council if fewer people choose to park in Exeter.
Public Consultation and Future Developments
Before any of the proposed changes are finalised, the council has committed to conducting a full public consultation. This process will allow residents, business owners, and other stakeholders to voice their opinions on the proposals and offer feedback on how the changes might impact them.
The executive committee is expected to discuss the details of the proposals during its upcoming meeting on 13 August. If the changes are approved, the new parking charges could come into effect later in the year.
Exeter City Council’s proposed parking fee increases highlight the financial pressures faced by local authorities across the UK. With government funding continuing to shrink, councils are increasingly turning to local revenue streams to maintain essential services. In Exeter, this has translated into proposed hikes in parking charges, with the potential to affect both residents and businesses.
While the council aims to balance the need for additional income with efforts to promote more sustainable travel options, the ultimate impact of these changes will depend on public feedback and the final decisions made by the executive committee. Residents and business owners now await the outcome of the consultation process, which will shape the future of parking in Exeter and, potentially, the broader financial health of the city.
