Increase in parking fees recommended for approval

Controversial proposals to increase charges for council car parks and on-street parking in Shropshire have been recommended for approval.

The plans, which included an increase in fees in Shrewsbury and changes to Sunday and public holiday fares across the county, sparked a barrage of objections from businesses and locals, as well as the Shrewsbury Business Improvement District.

A Shropshire Council report recommends the proposals be implemented, with the exception of evening charges at two car parks in Shrewsbury. The matter is scheduled to be discussed at a cabinet meeting on Wednesday.

The changes are being implemented as part of plans to encourage motorists to walk, cycle and use public transport.

The proposals put forward at the beginning of 2024 resulted in more than 370 objections.

Complaints included general objections to the price change, deterring visitors and hurting the general economy.

The authority concluded in its report that the increases were necessary to bring about a change in the way motorists traveled into Shrewsbury.

It added that transferring existing parking space users would free up more spaces for new visitors and shoppers.

However, the report states that the proposal for evening charges at all car parks in Shrewsbury has been reconsidered.

It is now recommended that free evening parking be maintained at Abbey Foregate and St Julian’s Friars car parks.

The authority said removing these fees would reduce projected revenue by around £94,000 a year but was “necessary to maintain a defensible, viable solution”.

A report previously prepared by the authority said the changes would generate around £1.76m.

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