Parking charges up again

Some prices could go up as much as 25 per cent next year while controversial moves are being mooted to introduce charges at free car parks on Portland and make drivers pay for some spaces around Weymouth Harbour.

Weymouth and Portland Borough Council's technical services manager Martyn Gallivan says an extra £125,000 must be found from off-street parking charges to plug a budget gap for 2007/08.

This figure has already been agreed by councillors as part of a financial plan to cover the cost of inflation.

However, further cash might have to be found to pay for the concessionary bus fare scheme which is being extended next year.

Councillors must also consider a significant loss in pay and display income from the Pavilion car park if the Ferry Terminal redevelopment work starts next September.

A shake-up of the Traffic Management Act and its effect on penalty charge notices will also be an added pressure.

Mr Gallivan has set out a list of proposals for the management committee to consider on Tuesday.

Drivers on Portland could be hit by a plan to charge at the free car parks of Hambro, Fortuneswell and New Ground.

Mr Gallivan says given the lack of on-street parking in the Fortuneswell area and the fact that many residents use Hambro and Fortuneswell, he suggests the New Ground option - where charges would start at £1.60 for two hours - is more favourable.

Charges at car parks elsewhere could see prices rise anywhere from over two per cent to 25 per cent depending on the location. It is proposed to reduce winter Sunday charges at the Swannery and Portland Bill.

It is not proposed to raise charges at the council offices car park until after five hours, although staff would have to pay double, with proceeds funding staff facilities.

Another likely controversial move is to raise the price of fishermen's day scratch cards from £5 to £6.

Also up for consideration is a move to make blue badge holders pay standard pay and display charges.

On-street parking charges will also have to rise to match the prices in the car parks, councillors will be told.

Failure to do this when collection and enforcement costs are rising by inflation will result in a fall in income, Mr Gallivan warns. Residents' parking and trades people permits will also be hit.

One option which could cause a backlash is to extend on-street charges at Trinity Road, Custom House Quay and Commercial Road.

Mr Gallivan says in a report the strategy for fixing charges is to keep both on and off-street prices at similar levels to avoid drivers seeking a free space or a cheaper one.

He adds: "If charges are too high, trade will be diverted to other towns. If they are too low an increasing burden of the council's costs will fall on taxpayers and congestion is likely to be worse.

"While comments are often made about charges in Weymouth and Portland the evidence continues to support the notion that charges have been fixed at the right level.

"Up until June 30, total ticket sales were virtually identical to last year."

• Highlights of the options for off-street parking charges for 2008/09 . . .

Swannery (summer): One hour charges no change; two hours £2.50-£2.60; three hours £3.80-£3.90; four hours £5-£5.20; eight hours £6-£6.30; 12 hours £8-8.40; 24 hours £9-9.50.

Lodmoor and Beach: One hour £1-1.10; two hours £2-£2.10; three hours £3-3.10; four hours £4-£4.20; five hours £4.50-£5; six hours £5-£6; 12 hours £6-£7; 24 hours £7-£8.

Melcombe Regis, Park Street and Royal Yard: five hours £4.50-£5; six hours £6-£7; seven hours £8-£9; additional hours £2-£2.50.

Options for on-street Esplanade, North Quay, and Trinity Road from Town Bridge to Council Offices car park: overnight £2.50-£3.

Trinity Road and Hope Square: half hour free-50p; one hour free-£1; overnight free-£3.

Custom House Quay from fish landing stage to Town Bridge: one hour and overnight free-as Esplanade charges.

Commercial Road from Town Bridge to Cosens Quay car park: half hour free-70p; one hour free-£1.30; overnight free-£3.