An opposition councillor has criticised Bristol City Council for “fleecing” drivers after its leaders agreed massive price hikes for parking. Stockwood ward Conservative Cllr Jonathan Hucker accused the Labour administration of approving the rises – which in some cases will double the cost – in a bid to make up for its “financial incompetence”.
Cabinet member for transport Cllr Don Alexander hit back, blaming the “hopelessly out-of-touch” Tory government for squeezing people’s incomes and stoking inflation, which has left the local authority needing more cash to cover its parking services. The largest increases, set to come into force early next year and raise an extra £1.6million a year, are for longer stays, with four hours on-street in the city centre rocketing from £6 to £12.
Off-street car park fees for shorter stays will generally rise by two-thirds from £1.50 to £2.50 an hour, with parking up to four hours now costing £10 in total instead of £6 at present, which makes it the most expensive for a major city outside London. All-day stays are shooting up from £13.50 to £18, cheaper only than Manchester and Cardiff.
