News

Parking Charges Rise In Market Harborough

Written by HFM News on 1st April 2021

The cost to park in Market Harborough has risen today.

Most charges have increased by 50p, with the minimum tariff in the Harborough District Council-run car parks now £1.50 for two-hours parking.

It is four years since charges last went up – the authority blames increased financial pressures for the move, approved earlier this year.

There are fears it could impact town centre traders – many of whom are set to reopen in later this month after weeks of enforced lockdown closures.

Caroline George from the MH Chamber of Trade and Commerce, says the timing of it could not be worse, ahead of non-essential retail opening later this month:

In Market Harborough, parking charges have risen from £1 to £1.50 to park for up to two hours, from £1.50 to £2 for up to three hours, from £2.50 to £3 for up to four hours, and from £6 to £7.50 for over four hours.

Long stay car parks have increased from the current fee of £2 for up to four hours to £2.50, and from £4 to £5 for over four hours.

Jarrod Burke, Chairman of the Harbs Collective, which represents independent retailer, is also concerned at the impact the increases may have:

Charges have also increased in Lutterworth, from 60p to £1 for up to one hour, from £1 to £1.50 for up to two hours, from £1.50 to £2 for up to three hours, from £2.50 to £3 for up to four hours, and from £4 to £5 for over four hours.

Cllr Paul Dann, Harborough District Council’s Cabinet lead for corporate and regulatory services, said: “We understand this is a challenging time and the increase to parking charges has not been taken lightly.

“We face increasing costs to provide the service and maintain our car parks across the district, and it is important that we provide good, clean and safe parking facilities to ensure a strong local economy that works for shoppers, businesses, and visitors.”

“The impact of the coronavirus pandemic is deep and far-reaching, and whilst increasing charges is not something we would ideally want to do, it is necessary if we are to continue to provide the essential services that our Council tax payers want.”