Parking charges overhaul over shortfall
A MAJOR overhaul of parking charges in West Norfolk is on the cards as council bosses attempt to claw back the deficit of a funding shortfall.
As part of its budget plans for 2008/09 West Norfolk Council will be asked to consider a 20 per cent increase on the cost of parking to help the authority press ahead with regeneration and enhancement plans for the borough while maintaining current service levels.
The council is considering the increase after being dealt a bitter blow by news that its grant from Government has been set at 14.7 million, some 300,000 less than the anticipated amount.
If the move is backed at a full council meeting next month the cost of parking for one hour in a short stay car park will rise from 1 to 1.20, with two hours rising from 1.50 to 1.80.
Plans are also in the pipeline for full charges on Sundays and a standard rate for evening parking and Blue Badge holders – people with mobility problems.
Council leader Cllr Nick Daubney said: "The amount of money from Government is crucial. It is frustrating as it is very late in the day when we find out what that figure will be. This year it is particularly harsh, we knew it would be, but it is even harsher than we thought.
"We have had a long look at car parks. We did introduce charges on Sundays and that will continue but it will be rated as a normal day.
"We feel it is an important element of income for ourselves. We are finding more and more that we have to provide services such as street cleaning on a Sunday and it is now virtually a normal day in the town centre and we feel justified in doing this.
"There has to be a strong element of the user of the service pays. It is not fair that a pensioner who rarely comes to town, or uses the bus, has to pay."
Fees for Blue Badge holders have already been introduced in some neighbouring authorities, with North Norfolk Council adding charges in 2004.
A council survey has revealed that Blue Badge holders account for around eight per cent of car park users in West Norfolk.
Car parks are one of the council's biggest sources of money and last year generated around 3 million in gross income.
Charges were last increased in 2006, when free parking on Sundays was scrapped and one hour rates rose to 1.
The budget for 2008/09 will be discussed and finalised at a full meeting of West Norfolk Council on Thursday, February 21.
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