Darlington council approves higher parking fees to combat financial pressure. New fares begin later this year.
Council leaders called the decision tough, blaming significant financial pressures. Short-stay car parks will cost £1.20 per hour, with a £5 cap, then it’s £1 per hour. Long-stay will cost £5 per day, and a weekly ticket will cost £20. Currently, all parks cost £1 per hour.
The new fares should bring in £500,000, and the council expects this revenue soon. Libby McCollom said subsidizing parking is unfair and it also isn’t sustainable long-term.
A report said the plan supports parking services, aids highway upkeep, and helps with local projects. These are preferable to service cuts that put grass cutting, street cleaning, community safety, and leisure all at risk.
Last year, free parking was debated during Christmas, and some said removing it would hurt businesses. Conservatives wanted to offer free parking, thinking it vital for small businesses.
Labour defended ending free parking, saying it wasn’t financially sound. They stated Darlington’s center is excellent, and visitor numbers actually increased. Darlington Council released footfall data from August to December 2024, showing numbers rose in comparison to 2023.
September had 1.46 million visitors, that’s the highest since June 2023. Car park use also improved from July to October.
Conservatives predicted fewer visitors with charges. McCollom said parking is still popular. December 2024 performed best in a decade, which proves free parking isn’t essential.