THE PLANNED increase to parking charges in Wokingham borough car parks has been delayed again.
Wokingham Borough Council had intended to start increasing rates from today, but has been forced to put the plans on hold.
The new fees will now come into effect from July.
In a statement on its website, the council confirmed the news.
“Due to a technical, software-related issue, we’re unable to implement the planned changes to our car parking tariffs as originally scheduled,” the statement reads.
“To make the transition to the new charges as smooth as possible for our residents and businesses, we will now be putting up signs across all car parks from week beginning June 26.
“The new charges will come into effect in all car parks at 6am on Monday, July 3.
“Temporary notices will be placed over the new signs to avoid confusion during the cross-over week.”
The council says the price rise will be the first time in five years that it has made an increase, and the new fees are competitive compared to neighbouring councils.
Cllr Paul Fishwick, executive member for active travel, transport and highways at the council, said: “In our current financial position, we have had to make tough choices, and raising car park charges is one of them.
“There has been no increase to parking charges since April 2018, and so residents, businesses and visitors have enjoyed cheaper parking for longer, rather than the gradual increases seen in other areas.
“The time has now come for the price to be raised, to cover the shortfall in the service area. We are not immune to the cost-of-living crisis, and, like residents, are having to make difficult choices to make sure we can keep providing our most essential services.”
The daytime charging period for all off-street council-owned car parks will increase from the current times of 8am until 6pm, Monday to Saturday, to between 6am and 10pm, Monday to Sunday.
Between 6pm and 10pm, users will pay a fixed fee of £1, parking overnight between 10pm and 6am will be free using a free vend ticket from the pay and display machines.
In Wokingham town car parks, the new daytime charges will be £1.30 (up to an hour), £2.50 (up to two hours), £4.50 (up to four hours), £6.50 (up to six hours), and £7 (over six hours).
Extended day parking charge of £6.50 will also apply to market traders using Cockpit Path car park and there will be a new overnight residents’ permit, available to all residents to park in council car parks overnight.
Outside Wokingham town, daytime charges at all other car parks will be £1 (up to an hour), £2 (up to two hours), £4 (up to four hours), £6 (up to six hours) and £7 (over six hours).
Extended day parking charge of £6.50 will also apply to market traders using Headley Road car park and there will be a new overnight residents’ permit, available to all residents to park in council car parks overnight.
Between 6pm and 10pm, users will pay a fixed fee of £1, parking overnight between 10pm and 6am will be free using a free vend ticket from the pay and display machines. Season tickets are also available.
