Council makes car park changes after 'cash cow' claims

A council accused of using car parks as "cash cows" to plug funding gaps has agreed to a host of changes to its parking charges.

A review into car parking in Powys - following a hike in fees in the 2023-2024 budget - has caused heated debate in the county, with opposition councillors wanting to reduce charges in a bid to encourage people back into centres.

A final report was presented at a meeting on Tuesday, with other changes including re-introducing one-hour parking tickets at all of its long stay sites and an app to allow people to pay for parking on their mobile phones.

But the new rules also mean disabled people with blue badges will need to pay for parking.

The full list proposals agreed by cabinet members are:

• Reintroduction of one-hour parking tariff to all long stay car parks
• Set tariffs of £1.50 (one hour), £2.50 (two hours), £3.50 (four hours), and £5 (all day).
• A new single permit to be used at one specified car park only at a cost of £280 a year, £155 for six months, £90 for three months and £30 for one month
• Blue Badge holders will now need to buy a pay and display ticket in council car parks but will receive an additional one hour after the expiry of their ticket