Vale Cabinet approves changes to car park permits
Car parking permit fees in the Vale of White Horse District are likely to increase slightly, following a decision at a recent Cabinet meeting to raise permit costs by ten per cent, in line with inflation levels.
From April 2023, monthly permits to district council car parks will increase by £7 on average, with annual permits increasing £81 on average, to help support the delivery and maintenance of the car parks.
As a largely rural district, the Cabinet acknowledged the importance of car parks in allowing residents to access their town centres and support the local business community, which is more important now than ever in wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and rising costs of living.
To help ease the pressure on residents and local businesses, hourly parking charges remain the same and one-hour free parking will still apply in Abingdon, Faringdon and Wantage car parks, with two hours free in Faringdon’s Southampton Street car park.
Cllr Sally Povolotsky, Cabinet Member for Climate Emergency and Environment, at Vale of White Horse District Council, said: “Car park fees in the Vale present a significant challenge in balancing the needs of residents and businesses, while making the service more financially sustainable.
“This slight increase to permit costs is a step towards car park users covering more of the ongoing maintenance costs, rather than all Vale council taxpayers, and will help ensure our car parks are well-maintained.
“However, we know this is a difficult time for many local businesses and residents, which is why we are raising permit fees in line with inflation and will continue to offer free parking every day to help everyone do their shopping, support local businesses and keep the community connected.
“As part of our commitment to tackle the climate emergency, we encourage residents to consider more sustainable travel options where possible, including using public transport, ride sharing, cycling and walking, which all help reduce our district’s carbon footprint and ease congestion on our roads.”
Following the Cabinet’s approval, the decision could be called in for review by the Scrutiny Committee, in line with standard practice for the Council. The deadline for review is 5pm on Wednesday 4 January 2023.
For more information on the council’s car parks and fees visit www.whitehorsedc.gov.uk/carparks
Notes for editors:
From April 2023, the new Monday to Friday permit costs for district council car parks will be:
- Rye Farm in Abingdon:
- Monthly permit – £63
- Annual permit – £629
- Abbey Close, Audlett Drive and West St Helen Street in Abingdon:
- Monthly permit – £79
- Annual permit – £787
- Gloucester Street in Faringdon:
- Monthly permit – £40
- Annual permit – £392
From April 2023, market trader annual permits (one day per week) fees will be:
- Rye Farm, Abingdon – £94
- Gloucester Street, Faringdon – £44
The full list of permit prices, including permits from Monday to Sunday and quarterly permits, will be available on Council’s website in January 2023.
