City's parking charges to rise

Bristol's parking charges rose by 60% plus in 2002

A council is putting the squeeze on motorists by raising car parking charges for a second year running.

Bristol City Council raised charges by more than 60% in 2002 and plans to increase them again by a further 9% this year.

The added charges would boost the council's coffers by more than £220,000 to a total income of £9m on car parking charges alone.

Several of the busy multi-storey car parks and long-stay parking bays will cost drivers up to 50p more.

The increases proposed are to cover the cost of inflation and the increased maintenance costs of long-stay car parks

Heather Sharrock

The proposals have attracted the attention of motoring organisations, after the city council pushed car parking charges up by 66% last year.

AA spokeswoman, Alison Birkett, said: "It seems Bristol City Council made a profit of £985,000 during 2000-2001 from their car parks.

"With such a handsome sum, motorists would expect to see a large improvement in security and safety in car parks run by the council.

"Car parks are a haven for crime and there needs to be more security measures to provide a fair deal for the parking charges motorists must pay."

Tow-away scheme

Council spokeswoman Heather Sharrock said: "The council has a duty to annually review all charges - this proposal is part of that annual review.

"The proposed increases for long-stay parking are consistent with our local transport plan which aims to promote short-stay parking for shopping, leisure and tourist trips, and encourage long-stay commuters to use alternatives such as public transport and park-and-ride.

"The increases proposed are to cover the cost of inflation and the increased maintenance costs of long-stay car parks, as well as contribute to our car park investment programme."

The Environment, Transport and Leisure scrutiny committee is due to discuss the new charges at a meeting on Tuesday, before the executive makes a final decision on January 28.

Last year a legal loophole in the council's controversial tow-away scheme meant it had to repay almost £1m to disgruntled motorists.