Have your say on council plans to reintroduce car parking fees in city centre

Members of the public are being urged to have their say on plans to reintroduce charges in council-owned city centre car parks.

Wrexham Council is set to bring parking fees back in its car parks from April 1 as it continues to deal with a budget shortfall of £22.6m next year.

Since October 2020 visitors have been able to park for free after 11am at Waterworld, Market Street, St Giles, Crescent Road, the Library and St Georges car parks.

The initiative was introduced by the council’s Independent and Conservative administration to support key workers and city centre businesses both during and after the coronavirus pandemic.

Wrexham Council’s own analysis found that its city centre car parks are operating at or above the desired 85 per cent occupancy – with a “significant proportion of ‘parkers’ in city centre car parks, are parking to attend their place of employment.”

However in a bid to plug the deficit and discourage city centre workers from parking for free all day throughout the week.

It has been proposed that charges ranging from £1.50 to £3 are introduced in the car parks – along with season ticket options for Waterworld and Crescent Road.

Members of the public are now being encouraged to take part in a statutory consultation and have their say on the proposed charges.

The consultation also includes questions on whether the reintroduction of parking fees will have a negative impact on groups or individuals.

Cllr Mark Pritchard, Leader of Wrexham Council, said: “We’re continuing to look at lots of different ideas and opportunities that will help us to find savings, and the reintroduction of car parking charges from April 1 is regretfully something we’ve had to look at.

“We’re committed to supporting shoppers, visitors and businesses by keeping these charges fair and we welcome everyone to take part in our consultation on this.”

The consultation – which can be completed here – will close on March 8.