The introduction of new parking charges across Cheshire East in October could be followed by an increase in those fees as early as next January, writes Belinda Ryan.
The Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) sought clarification about a further hike in prices after the highways and transport committee last month voted in favour of reviewing parking charges annually.
Richard Hibbert, head of strategic transport and parking, said at the time: “Any inflationary increase would happen round about Christmas time.”
The LDRS asked whether this would mean a price hike within months of the new charges being introduced.
For some areas, such as Audlem, Alsager, Holmes Chapel, Middlewich and Sandbach, the new policy from October will be the first time they have had to pay to park.
A CEC council spokesperson said: “Changes to parking tariffs following the committee’s decision on January 25 are expected to go live across the borough by October.
“Later this year, the council will also be carrying out the first annual review of charges as resolved at committee.
“The effects of this annual review are expected to come into effect in January 2025 following statutory consultation.”
The committee also voted at that meeting to consult further with the public about introducing more changes to the parking policy, including making all meters except one cashless on all council car parks.
That consultation will take place in the summer.
The LDRS asked whether the council would be paying the 7p service charge added to each parking transaction when drivers use the PayByPhone app.
The spokesperson added: “As part of the measures approved by highways and transport committee on January 25, 2024, it was agreed to move towards cashless payments whilst retaining the option to pay by cash in at least one car park in every town.
“This approach reflects the needs of users and gives sufficient flexibility to respond to issues such as the need to collect cash regularly.
“We are still to finalise our implementation plans for this approach.”
They added: “As well as the option to pay by cash, people can also choose to pay by card, for which there is no transaction fee.
“PayByPhone to park does incur a 7p convenience fee in addition to the car park charge.
“The council does not intend to absorb these costs, as alternative means of payment are available.
“However, we will seek to minimise costs to users through effective negotiation of our contracts with suppliers, including any transition to the emerging National Parking Platform.”
When you have an inept Council, there will always be hikes in charges. Car parking charges increased now and even before it’s rubber stamped, those charges will already be earmarked for further hikes next year as will be the green bin collection. What next, recycle bin and waste bin charges.
Having a consistent charging policy across Cheshire East is fair and equitable. However punishing the motorist on the amount of charges and potential increases is not.
Politicians ignore the unintended consequences of their actions. Simply people will go to Retail Parks which offer free parking. Retail businesses will pay, resulting in more empty units in the town.
The car parking policy is attempting to increase income into Cheshire East to compensate for their own incompetence.
You have to challenge the monies that is wasted by Cheshire East. Any private sector concern managed like Cheshire East Council would be Bankrupt years ago.
There is lack of prudence, the examples are many. These are only the ones the public have been made aware of.
There is a very distinct need for greater transparency and accountability both of Counsellors and Officers.
Directors in the Private sector can be barred from office. This should apply to the public sector.
Another report that they “still need to to finalise our implementation plans for this approach”. Can CEC Officers never produce a report that completes the circle and end it with a recommendation and decision. They always seem to be like Rocky films 1, 2 3 4 etc. It does of course keep them employed. Why do our elected members allow this to happen. Answer will appear in the next but two reports.
Cynically is the increase around Christmas time a ploy for extra income so there could be two cost hikes in a year, one when car parking will be at a particular premium? Watch this space.