This in from the council, in their own words. Ed
The Isle of Wight Council has announced details of changes to its pay and display parking charges which are due to be introduced this summer.
Although many fees will remain at the same level, for the first time since 2008 some charges will go up.
The new charges are being introduced as part of the annual budget which councillors voted through at Full Council in February. The charges are likely to be implemented in late May/early June once the council has all of the necessary traffic regulation orders in place.
Short stay rising between 30-40p
Most of the changes to parking fees are in relation to short stay car parks, rising by between 30p or 40p in relation to a variety of time periods, while long stay car parks are largely unaffected other than a 10p rise for a one to two hour stay.
One hour minimum in long-stay
The maximum stay in a short stay car park will also become three hours, while the charge for a stay of up to 30 minutes in a long stay car park has been removed, meaning the minimum charge will be for one hour.
It is hoped that these changes will increase the rate of turnover in car parks giving people greater accessibility to nearby local businesses.
On-street rises
Many charges for on-street parking will also rise by between 10p and 20p, with some remaining the same.
Residents parking permit
A new residents parking permit will also be introduced at a cost of £295 for a year.
This will give residents two hours in a short stay car park or six hours free parking in any long stay car park. The permit can be extended to allow for 24 hours parking in any long stay car park for an additional cost of £125.
Other changes will see charging hours extended to 8pm every day in all areas instead of the current 6pm limit.
Free parking removed from leisure centres
Free parking in Appley Car Park in Ryde and Moa Place in Freshwater will be removed. Free parking will also be removed at both The Heights Leisure Centre in Sandown and at Medina Leisure Centre in Newport, however, One Card holders paying annually or by direct debit will still be eligible for the existing two hours free parking.
Councillor Jon Gilbey, Cabinet member for highways, said:
“This is the first time some of our charges have risen for six years and is among many difficult decisions the council has had to make in relation to its budget for the next three years. Across the council we are faced with finding savings of £28 million and will not be able to meet our commitments to transportation activities, such as subsidising concessionary bus fares, without this increase in charges.
“We have endeavoured to ensure the new fees are as fair as we can make them in light of this financial position – and it is important to reiterate that for many fees there will not be any increase. It is also interesting to note, for comparison, that Portsmouth charges up to £1.60 for an hour’s stay, compared to £1.30 for an hour in one of our short stay car parks, and it is £10 for an all day stay in Portsmouth compared to £6.60 in one of our long stay car parks.”
The council will now advertise new traffic orders for parking tariffs which are required before any changes can be brought in.
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