Car park charges to rise from August

Motorists using Newtown's main car parks will see parking charges rise again from August following Powys County Council cabinet's approval of controversial recommendations that have frustrated local councillors and businesses for over a year.

The new tariff structure approved on Tuesday will see charges at Back Lane and Gravel car parks increase to £1.50 for up to one hour, £2.50 for one to two hours, £3.50 for two to four hours, and £5.00 for all-day parking. This represents significant increases from current charges of £2.50 for up to two hours, £3.25 for two to four hours, and £4.00 for over four hours.

Whilst the council has reintroduced the popular one-hour parking option that was controversially scrapped in April 2023, the new £1.50 rate is 50% higher than the previous £1.00 charge that drew praise from local businesses and residents. The move means drivers making short trips to Newtown will pay £1.50 instead of being forced to pay the current minimum of £2.50 for two hours.

However, those staying longer face steep increases, with the new all-day rate of £5.00 representing a 25% rise from the current maximum charge of £4.00. The two to four hour charge will also see a significant jump from £3.25 to £3.50.

Newtown's county councillor and mayor Peter Lewington, who has been a vocal critic throughout the review process, expressed his disappointment with the outcome. Speaking previously about the recommendations, he said he was "frustrated and disappointed" as he had "fought long and hard for a fair £1 for 1 hour parking for our town."

Councillor Lewington has consistently warned that the charges are damaging local businesses, stating: "Businesses continue to see reduced footfall as a consequence of these astronomic car parking charges" and questioning why Newtown has been "excluded" from more lenient recommendations applied to other Powys towns.

The changes will also introduce single car park permits costing £280 annually, £155 for six months, £90 for three months, and £30 for one month. These permits will only be valid for one specified car park, unlike current permits that can be used across multiple locations.

Blue Badge holders will face new restrictions, as they will now need to purchase pay and display tickets but will receive an additional free hour after their purchased time expires. Previously, Blue Badge holders enjoyed free parking in most council car parks.

The controversial review has taken over a year to complete and involved cross-party councillors, town council representatives, and local business input. However, the process has been marked by delays and criticism, with cabinet members announcing in November 2024 that they would reconsider findings following stakeholder objections.

Councillor Jackie Charlton, Cabinet Member for a Greener Powys, acknowledged the lengthy process, stating: "The review process has taken longer than we would have liked, but it was really important that we made sure we listened to and considered all the feedback."

The changes come as Powys County Council faces significant financial pressures, with forecasts showing a funding shortfall of more than £9.6 million for the next financial year, rising to £50.9 million over four years. Car park income increased by 16.3% last year to £1.879 million despite fewer tickets being sold.

Local campaign groups have called for alternative solutions, with All About Newtown launching a petition for free weekend parking, arguing that free Saturday parking at Gravel Car Park would cost Band D residents just £2.88 per year through council tax.

The original car park charges were increased in April 2023 as part of budget-balancing measures, removing the popular one-hour option and forcing users to pay a minimum of £2.50. These changes sparked ongoing opposition from Newtown Town Council, local businesses, and residents who argued the charges were damaging the town centre's viability.

Drivers have been able to pay via the PayByPhone mobile app since May, with text reminders available when parking sessions are about to expire. However, this technological improvement has done little to address local concerns about the rising costs of visiting Newtown's town centre.

The new charges will take effect in August 2025, affecting the busy Back Lane Car Park and Gravel Car Park, which serve as the town's main long-stay parking facilities alongside the Old College site. Gas Street remains as the town's short-stay option, though details of any changes to its charges have not been confirmed.

The decision represents the latest chapter in a long-running dispute over parking policy that has seen local representatives repeatedly call for more affordable options to support Newtown's economy and maintain the town centre's accessibility for residents and visitors.