On-street pay and display charges introduction

Pay and display charges for on-street parking can be varied by notice under the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984.

The primary reason for charging for parking is to manage the demand and support our transport policy objectives. The Council also needs to cover the costs of running the parking service.

The County Council’s policy for parking is set out in the Local Transport Plan. Effective management of on-street parking, in conjunction with provision of off-street parking is recognised as making a significant contribution to reducing congestion, whilst supporting access to residents, services and businesses. This approach aims to ensure that the balance between on and off-street charging is maintained.

Parking charges were last increased countywide in June 2023. It was agreed by Cabinet that as part of the county council’s Medium Term Financial Strategy that charges would increase in June 2025.

We envisage that the changes in tariffs will encourage people to look at alternatives to parking on street in town centres. We will provide additional “Travelsmart” information on the council’s website to further encourage sustainable methods of transport.

Any surplus generated by the operation of the parking service is used firstly in investment in the management of parking and the parking asset, and then for other improvements in traffic management, highway improvements and subsidised and concessionary transport. This is in accordance with the current legislation, the Traffic Management Act 2004.

For information on changes to permit and waiver charges please visit the permit information page. Select ‘resident permits and visitor vouchers’ and on page two of the information leaflet for our permit scheme, you can view our current permit and voucher charges that became effective in September 2020.