Cambridge parking permits will be more expensive this year

Motorists are facing a price-hike as the cost of residents’ parking permits are set to increase by about 20 per cent this April – the first price rise since 2011.

A review in January 2016 revealed the permit schemes across the city, which are run by Cambridgeshire County Council, were operating at an £88,000 per annum loss.

The price rise, which comes among other changes, means the deficit would reduce to around £21,000 per year. However, further changes to limit the number of permits available in Cambridge means the deficit actually lies at around £81,000.

The cost of visitor permits will also increase, from £8 for five visits to £12.

Cllr Mathew Shuter, the county council’s lead for highways, said: “These sorts of decisions are never taken lightly and this is why we asked officers to look at the charges again to ensure we have the right proposals for residents’ parking charges, taking residents’ feedback into account.

Price rise

Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, £52

Mon-Sat 9am-5pm, £62 (up £10)

All days 9am-5pm, £72 (up £12)

Mon-Sat 9am-8pm, £84.50 (up £14.50)

Mon-Sat 8am-8pm, £92 (up £16)

All days 9am-8pm, £98.25 (up £17.25)

Mon-Fri 10am-7pm, £56.25 (up £6.25)

“Parking fees have not been reviewed for a long time and we have to look at ways to reduce the deficit the service is currently running at. We realise there will always be people that need to drive into the city for one reason or another. These proposals are not about punishing commuters and visitors but we’re passionate about reducing congestion and improving air quality for everyone.”

More residents’ parking zones are being created in Cambridge, with proposals for the first four getting public backing.