Council Confirms Parking Fee Increases From Jan

Croydon Council has announced they will be raising parking fees, including a 45% increase on on parking permits across the borough, from January 2011. However the council has promised to maintain 30 minutes of free parking in district centres, but the cost of a one hour stay in central Croydon will rise to £1.10.

Disabled drivers will be hit the hardest as they see their companion badges rise from £5 up to a staggering £25. Shadow Cabinet Member for Streets and Environment, Councillor Alison Butler said:

Next year controlled parking zones will be rolled out to areas outside district centres from 8am until midnight instead of 9am until 5pm, this will anger many residents who will see the price of their annual parking permits rise from £48 to £70, from April 2011. Visitors to small shopping areas such as Crystal Palace with already compromised parking spaces, will now be even more restricted by the new parking regulations, which could be very damaging for the many independent shops and markets, that depend on local customers, visitors and passing trade.

Business permits will also go up, but Croydon Council said it was going to provide 'big incentives' for users of alternative fuel vehicles by keeping the cost of these permits down to £220. At a time when most people are being encouraged to support local and independent businesses, by ploughing money back into our community, these parking charges could deter people who drive in, from slightly further out to visit local markets and centres and take vital trade to larger convenience stores, who currently allow free parking for up to 2 hours.

Are you a resident who pays for the priviledge of parking on your own street? Or a local trader whose business could be affected by the new parking hikes? We want to know what YOU think...

Photo: Geograph