North Yorkshire Council has announced an increase in its car parking charges from 19th April, with fees rising by 20 percent.
The council says the decision to implement a new tariff was made after 'careful consideration of several factors impacting the service' and is part of its commitment to 'maintain and improve facilities'.
The authority says the cost of parking facilities, including infrastructure, repairs, lighting, and security has risen, and that it believes ensuring a safe and well-maintained environment is essential for the convenience and satisfaction of customers.
The car parking tariff has not increased in some areas for more than a decade, with the majority unchanged for at least three years. The 20 percent rise, the council says, reflects an annual increment of around 6.7 per cent since the last increase.
North Yorkshire Council’s corporate director of environment, Karl Battersby, said: "We continuously strive to improve our parking services to provide a better customer experience. This includes investments in technology upgrades, such as automated payment systems and the installation of electric vehicle chargers to accommodate the growing market.
"We have refrained from increasing our car parking tariff for several years. However, to ensure we can continue to maintain the current provision and not divert funds away from vital frontline council services, we plan on introducing an increase across the car parking tariff that is in line with inflation.
"We also remain committed to improving public transport provision across North Yorkshire to ensure there are alternatives to car usage, as well as supporting efforts to become carbon neutral by 2030."
Later this year, the council will be drafting a strategy that will look at the parking provision across North Yorkshire to see where future changes and improvements can be made. The council also says it is continuing to make investments in active travel so that people can opt not to use their car and instead walk, cycle or use public transport, and help to contribute to reducing their carbon footprint.
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