Liverpool Council has confirmed that motorists will pay more for city centre parking from November 1, following a review that began in April. The price of half an hour in the inner city centre will rise to £2.40, while an hour will increase to £4.60. The changes apply to all council-owned car parks and spaces across the city centre.
Political criticism and business concerns
Cllr Carl Cashman, leader of the opposition Liberal Democrat group, criticised the move, saying it sends a message to those hoping to start a business in the city: go to Manchester instead. He described the increase as "another nail in the coffin" for Liverpool's night-time economy.
The increase is in line with a rise in the consumer price index (CPI) of 3.1%. The largest uplift on any single tariff in a council car parking space is 70p.
Cabinet approval and average rise
Members of the local authority's cabinet signed off on the changes to fees and charges during a meeting on Tuesday. Cllr Ruth Bennett, deputy leader and cabinet member for finance, resources and transformation, said the authority was continually monitoring fees and charges so they remained competitive and sustainable.
On average, across all council-managed spaces, including Victoria Street, Paddington Village, Mount Pleasant, and Kings Dock car parks, the price of parking is to rise by an average of 4% from next month. These are discretionary charges, meaning the city council is not bound by law to introduce them.
Labour's response and revenue shortfall
Cllr Cashman said: "This is another nail in the coffin of Liverpool's night-time economy. First Labour made people pay to park until 11pm, ignoring residents and businesses. Then they decided new licences should switch off at midnight. Now they've hiked parking charges yet again."
A Liverpool Labour spokesperson said: "Liverpool Council keeps car parking charges under constant review to ensure they are competitive and sustainable. Charges have risen in line with the CPI following a thorough review of charges across all council services."
Despite the increase in fees, revenue generated by parking services over this financial year is expected to come in short of the council's forecasts. The charges uplift also comes at a time when the city council faces a potential court battle to have its late-night charging policy thrown out after a legal challenge was set by business leaders.
