Wakefield Council to increase parking charges

Wakefield Council will put up the cost of on and off street parking on Monday, June 13, when it also takes on powers for enforcing parking restrictions.

The hike comes as the authority prepares to launch a full review of all parking charges.

It said it planned to consult with members of the public later this year on proposals for a new parking charges policy, which could see prices brought in line with neighbouring authorities.

Coun Mathew Morley, the council’s cabinet member for transport and highways said: “This year it is essential to make some changes so that we can meet the costs of providing car parking.

“These costs have risen over the last five years, but we have not had any increase to parking charges since 2011.

“Going forward I want to see a charging policy built around supporting the economic growth of our towns and city, and one that supports those who live and work in the district, as well as meeting the essential costs of providing the facilities.

“The consultation will be a key part of the review and I would like to hear from businesses and residents once the proposals are put forward, later this year.”

The council said it wanted the new policy to “provide more support for the economic growth of local businesses and meet the needs of people who come into the city and town centres”.

It added that the upcoming increase in charges was “necessary” for it to maintain and improve parking facilities.

The council will also begin enforcing parking restrictions later this month, taking over the responsibility from West Yorkshire Police.

Its civil enforcement officers will monitor parking bays and yellow lines.

And they will hand out £50 and £70 penalty notices to drivers who violate parking regulations.

Coun Morley said: “Civil parking enforcement will make our district’s roads safer and improve traffic flow.

“Businesses should also benefit from the new powers because short-term parking areas such as outside local shops will receive better enforcement.

“This should deter motorists from parking longer than permitted and make it easier for motorists to find a space when needed.”