Parking charges set to rise across district

The cost of an hour's parking in parts of Bradford city centre is set to double later this month.

From 19 January prices on existing short-stay streets will rise from £1 per hour to £2, the council said.

Meanwhile the cost of on-street parking in the centre of Ilkley will be set at £1 an hour, though 160 parking spaces in nearby streets will remain free following hundreds of objections.

The council said the simplified tariff structure would "be easier for visitors to understand" and "improve the customer experience".

Alex Ross-Shaw, the council's portfolio holder for regeneration, planning and transport said: "We've worked to balance the needs of local businesses, residents and visitors.

"We have listened to feedback from local people and businesses, and these carefully-considered revisions reflect that valuable input.

"These changes bring our on-street parking charges into line with neighbouring authorities and reflect some of the feedback we've had over the original proposals."

While some fees are due to rise, parking in the Little Germany area and surrounding streets will stay at £1 per hour, with discounted all-day rates available for stays over five hours.

The council said it had wanted the new charges to apply between 08:00 and 22:00 but, following public consultation, said they would instead run from 08:00 to 20:00 meaning anyone parking on-street in the city centre from 18:00 onwards will pay a maximum of £4 up from £1.

Charges will also apply to Bank Holidays.

Maximum stay limits will now apply to blue badge holders but will remain free for them to park, according to the council.

In Ilkley, the council said parking in New Brook Street, Kings Road and Cowpasture Road would remain free with 160 spaces.

The authority said a complete list of affected streets and tariff codes would be available from 16 January via its website, at Customer Services Reception in City Hall and at Ilkley Library.

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