Cheshire East Council says it is now considering representations made following its consultation on proposals to increase parking charges.
A total of 292 representations were made, and each of these will be considered as part of the consultation process.
Around £5m is generated each year in revenue from parking services across the whole of Cheshire East.
This figure is inclusive of Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs), pay-and-display fees as well as resident and staff parking permits.
Cheshire East Council says the money invested in parking services (currently around £3m each year) is spent on:
● Enforcement services
● Pay-and-display machines and maintenance
● Residents’ parking services
● Parking services
● Parking overheads
The money is invested in order to provide and maintain parking that is safe and secure.
The additional revenue – currently around £2m each year – forms part of the council’s overall income.
As such, it is used to fund other services provided by the council. The council says this helps ensure it can continue to deliver a range of essential frontline services.
Surplus income from the issuing of PCNs can only be used in accordance with Section 55 of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984.
This includes items such as road safety and activities to keep traffic moving (ie: public passenger transport services, highway or road improvement projects, environmental improvement and the provision and maintenance of off-street parking).
Frank Jordan, executive director of place and acting deputy chief executive at Cheshire East Council, commented: “The money that comes from car parks helps us to ensure our car parks are safe, secure and well maintained – and that there is a good turnaround of spaces for visitors and shoppers.
“In addition the revenue generated is invested into services elsewhere, such as highways, transport and other council services, such as adults and children’s social care.
“This helps us continue to deliver local frontline services to those who are most vulnerable in all our communities.
“This is helping to provide local services for real people in all our communities.”
A decision on the parking proposals is expected by March 2019.
