Parking charges rise at Solihull town centre council-run car parks

Parking charges are set to rise at Solihull town centre council-run car parks from today.

A Solihull Council spokesperson said: “Motorists parking in Solihull Town Centre will see a small increase in parking tariffs from today (Friday 13 September 2019). The 20p rise will be implemented in all public car parks, except Monkspath Hall Road which will see a 30p rise.

“This is only the second increase in car park prices since 2008, as the Council aims to keep charges in line with inflation and ensure that parking facilities are maintained to their current high standards.”

Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Environment and Highways, Cllr Ken Hawkins (Blythe) said: “I understand that this may be disappointing news for some, but this decision has to be taken in context. This is only the second increase in car park tariffs in eleven years and we believe that this modest rise is a sensible decision that will help us maintain the good variety of parking provision in our Town Centre.

“The revenue raised from keeping charges in line with inflation will go a long way to guarantee that our car parks are run in an economically viable manner whilst also sustaining our high standards.”

The decision to change the current tariffs was agreed at an Environment and Highways decision session on 23 July.

A Solihull Council spokesperson added: “The Council has already set aside a budget of £10,000 in this year’s maintenance programme to implement the changes. This will cover the cost of new permanent and temporary signage, machine software upgrades and a website update.

“The price increase also coincides with the upcoming renovation of Mell Square Car Park due to commence at the end of September.”