Parking Charges To Rise From April

There are fears increasing parking charges in Market Harborough will badly impact town centre traders.

The rise will take effect in April after Harborough District Council’s Cabinet approved the move at a meeting last night.

There are concerns the increase will happen at a time more shops and businesses could be allowed to reopen after lockdown and it could put people off shopping in Market Harborough.

Jarrod Burke is a small business owner and Chairman of the Harbs Collective, which represents independent shops and businesses in the town centre:

In Market Harborough, charges rise 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.

Caroline George, from Market Harborough Chamber of Trade and Commerce, is worried about the impact:

In the last year, the Council has seen a significant loss of revenue due to the coronavirus lockdowns and increased costs. The proposed increase, which has the potential of generating an extra £500,000 a year, will help address an annual budget gap of around £4m.

Council Leader Phil King told Hfm that doing nothing would have serious consequences:

In Lutterworth, charges will increase 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.

Long stay car parks, in Market Harborough, will increase from the current fee of £2 for up to four hours to £2.50, and from £4 to £5 for over four hours.

It will be the first rise in car parking charges since 2017.