Tens of thousands of drivers are facing inflation-busting increases to park on Norfolk streets, in a move slammed for turning motorists into "cash cows".
Norfolk County Council, as part of proposals to plug a £45m budget gap, is planning for a 5pc hike in on-street parking charges and resident parking permits next year - on top of the annual inflation-linked increase.
Conservative-controlled County Hall says it will bring in an extra £150,000, but critics have blasted the proposed increase.
Norwich, Great Yarmouth and King's Lynn have thousands of pay and display on-street parking spaces, while Norwich alone issues more than 15,000 parking permits to residents each year.
How much more will I have to pay?
The council says it is not possible to say how much the increase will add to the price of tickets or permits yet.
That is because the annual index rate used to determine the amount is based on the rate of inflation in February, just before the start of the new financial year in April.
But with 5pc added on top of that, drivers will see a higher than normal increase in what they have to pay.
'Cash cow' claim
Political opponents made a connection between the mooted increase and lobbying by council leaders to be permitted to issue higher fines to drivers who infringe parking restrictions.
"It's hard not to wonder if hiking the charges again isn't in the hope more motorists will chance it and finish up getting fined.
"On street parking charges were never intended to be a cash cow for the county council.
"Fleecing residents in parking zones is unjust and for short stay parking those levels hurt business as well.
"If it was part of a thought out transport and environmental policy it might make sense but this just feels like a rip off."
David Sayers, Liberal Democrat county councillor for Gaywood North and Central in King's Lynn, said: "The proposed increase in parking charges, though it aims to generate £150,000, is still a modest amount compared to the overall budget gap we are facing.
"There are concerns about the impact on residents and businesses, especially in areas like Norwich, Kings Lynn, and Great Yarmouth, where parking costs have already risen in 2024.
"We need to ensure any further increases are justified, considering the pressure it could place on local communities.
"It's important to balance revenue generation with fairness to the public, and £150,000, while helpful, is not substantial enough to justify placing a further burden on town centre economies.
"We should explore whether there are more effective or equitable ways to address the budget shortfall."
County Hall defends the increase
But, with the county council facing financial pressure, with the need to make £45m of cuts and savings next year following a similar figure this year, leaders defended the proposal.
Graham Plant, the council's cabinet member for highways, infrastructure and transport, said: "With so much pressure on us financially we have to make difficult decisions and find ways of saving money and generating income that we would otherwise not choose to make.
"These proposals will ensure the highways and transport service, that we all depend upon every day, continues to be maintained and improved, which all help with journey time reliability."
The council has also come under fire for cost-cutting measures to change how it charges for trade waste at recycling centres, while its proposals also include cutting millions from adult social care.
Norfolk Parking Partnership - a collaboration between councils - generated more than £3m in 2022/23 from on-street parking charges, residents' permits and penalty notices.
How much is on-street parking now?
Norwich: On-street parking fees vary, depending on the location, but are generally between £2.50 an hour and £3.70 an hour.
Great Yarmouth: Roadside parking at South Beach Parade and North Drive is £5.70 for up to four hours, and £9.10 for over four hours, whereas Marine Parade fees are £5.20 for up to four hours, and £8.40 for over four hours.
What do resident permits cost at the moment?
In Norwich, the price for an annual permit varies from £34.60 to £74.20, depending on the length of vehicles.
In Great Yarmouth, resident parking permits cost £56.20 a year, while the annual price for a resident permit in King's Lynn is £50.
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