Premium parking rate for town's busiest streets

Drivers will pay a "premium" rate to park on a town's busiest streets, in the hope of reducing congestion.

Reform-run West Northamptonshire Council is introducing new zones for some of Northampton's most popular roads.

The Labour group, which is one of the opposition parties, described it as "a bitter blow to shoppers and businesses alike".

The council said: "Our goal is simple: to create a parking system that works more efficiently and makes visiting Northampton town centre a better experience for everyone."

The new system will take effect on Monday 17 August, with the premium parking machines painted red so they can be easily identified.

These will be found on roads including George Row, Mercers Row, St Giles Street and Abington Street.

The premium charges are £0.80 for up to 30 minutes, £1.60 for one hour and £3.20 for two hours.

Milton Keynes has had a tiered parking system for many years, with drivers paying a higher rate for premium bays that are close to facilities.

WNC said a review showed "particularly high demand" for parking on some streets, so it hoped to encourage drivers to "use a wider range of options".

Similar approaches were being in other towns and cities across the UK, it added.

Richard Butler, cabinet member for highways and transport, said: "We know how important convenient parking is for local shops, businesses, residents and visitors.

"That's why we're looking at ways to make better use of the spaces available across the town centre.

"We can help make spaces easier to find and reduce congestion caused by people driving around looking for parking."

However the Labour group has warned of a "parking crisis", with some car parks closing at the same time as the premium charges are introduced.

Leader Sally Keeble said: "The decision to impose premium parking charges on Northampton town centre will come as a bitter blow to shoppers and businesses alike."

"To introduce them at just 11 days' notice in the middle of the holiday period is appalling.

"The council needs to find ways to improve parking facilities for people visiting Northampton town centre – not to treat drivers as cash cows," she added.

Keeble said other places with premium parking charges had "more successful shopping centres".

"Northampton town centre is desperately in need of basic improvements, like street cleansing and tackling anti-social behaviour," she added.

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