Bury Council is considering introducing parking charges at 22 of its car parks across the borough, following a review of its off-street parking stock.
The local authority reviewed 39 of its off-street car parks and believes there is a case for new tariffs at 22 of them. Documents show the council believes this could help relieve 'parking pressures', particularly in locations that see high occupancy and long stays.
The proposed changes would affect sites in Bury, Whitefield, Prestwich, Ramsbottom and Radcliffe. The existing town centre tariff is being used 'as the baseline' for an upcoming consultation, but the council has said its officers will prepare a proposal for each car park individually.
Details of the Proposal
The proposal will cover fees, hours of operation, payment methods, and any concessions. A full list of the proposed locations has been published.
Bury Council said: "The parking proposals provide an opportunity to align provision with the future needs of each centre, supporting safety, accessibility, local economic activity and regeneration. An independent review of 39 Council owned off-street car parks identified a case for the introduction of charges at 22 locations, particularly where high occupancy and long stays reduce the availability of spaces."
"Maintaining the current arrangements was rejected because it would leave identified parking pressures unresolved."
Prestwich Travel Hub Charges
The move follows proposals to charge drivers to use the new Prestwich Travel Hub once it opens. Prices for the hub will start at £1 for an hour, rising to £16 for a 12 to 24 hour stay.
Anyone visiting between 6pm and midnight will be able to park for free, with town hall bosses saying they want to support a 'thriving evening and night-time economy'. Sunday parking will come with a flat fee of £1.50. There will also be an option for drivers to buy a monthly pass, which will be set at £60.
Bury Council has said not charging to park at the hub would leave them subsidising the new hub to the tune of around £300,000 each year, a cost it cannot afford to absorb.
Financial Pressures and Next Steps
The local authority revealed this month that it is facing serious financial difficulties and will be seeking conversations with the Government around how it can balance its books for the coming years.
It is also looking at a number of ways to reduce expenses and increase income, such as turning off streetlights, introducing a green waste charge for residents, cutting school crossing patrols and raising leisure fees.
Council bosses will look at the proposals for the new tariffs when they meet next week. The cabinet will be asked to sign off on a public consultation around the changes.
The 22 Car Parks Being Considered for New Fees
- Heaton Park: Park Street, Upper Wilton Street, Whittaker Lane
- Radcliffe Centre: Civic Suite East, Civic Suite West, Thomas Street, Cross Street, Railway Street
- Radcliffe South: Library Stand Lane, Irwell Street, Riverside, Mill Bank Road and Stand Lane
- Radcliffe West: Water Street, Robert Street
- Ramsbottom: Market North, Union Street; Market East, Union Street; Market West, Union Street; Prince Street; Railway Street
- Prestwich: Brooklands
- Bury: Heywood Street, Kay Street
- Whitefield: Lily Hill Street
The Proposed Baseline Tariff
- Up to 2 hours - £2.40
- Up to 3 hours - £2.70
- Up to 4 hours - £3.20
- Up to 5 hours - £4.30
- More than 5 hours - £6.00
- Sunday (all day) - £1.50
