Consultation launched for car parking charges

A council has launched a consultation on plans to potentially introduce charges at car parks across two towns.

The Reform UK-led North Northamptonshire Council has proposed bringing in fees at 49 car parks in Wellingborough and Rushden.

The council said the plans would create a consistent approach and ensure its car parks cover their own costs, but that no decision has been taken yet.

Chris McGiffen, the Reform councillor with responsibility for highways, said the draft strategy set out how parking could work at the sites over "the next 10 years".

"No final decisions have been made on parking arrangements in the local area, this is one stage in a process," he added.

Parking prices could be set according to demand and location, reviewing permits and installing more electric vehicle charging points.

The council also wants to increase the use of contactless payments and mobile phone apps and potentially use income to reinvest in parking and transport facilities.

In Wellingborough, charges are proposed at Jackson's Lane and the multi-storey car park, while in Rushden, Duck Street, John Street, Rectory Road, Portland Street and North Street are among the car parks included in the plans.

It is free of charge to park at these locations currently.

The Labour MP for Wellingborough and Rushden, Gen Kitchen, opposes the possible charges and launched a petition last year after the council first asked residents for their views on changes.

She is organising a public meeting to discuss concerns among local people.

Kitchen previously said: "The Reform-led council should be doing all it can to encourage people to visit our High Streets and support our shops, cafes and restaurants."

The consultation runs until 20 December 2026.

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