A popular UK city has increased parking charges this week, which will see petrol, diesel and electric vehicle owners pay the same fees for the first time since the pandemic.
Southampton City Council has implemented new season ticket price increases for city centre car parks, which came into effect on Monday, June 2.
The changes follow a public consultation held in March, which will now see the prices of certain parking tickets increase across the city.
The council stated that the updated pricing aims to balance affordability for residents with effective management of city centre parking facilities.
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Under the new changes, drivers will be charged more to park in Southampton city centre
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Councillor Eamonn Keogh said: "These amendments reflect our dedication to ensuring fair access to parking while also encouraging alternative modes of transport into the city centre from further afield."
One of the biggest changes revealed in the new pricing structure was the council removing the 90 per cent discount previously available on season tickets for electric vehicles.
The council explained that the change is intended to ensure that season tickets remain appropriately priced as electric vehicle usage becomes increasingly common.
Meanwhile, standard season ticket prices have increased by £25 for three-month and six-month options, and by £50 for 12-month tickets. The annual season ticket now costs £1,150, which remains below the pre-pandemic rate of £1,200.
Parking charges will increase to remain competitive with neighbouring cities
| GETTYThe council noted that current pricing remains "competitive" with season ticket costs in high-demand within other local authority areas, including Portsmouth and Bournemouth. Three-month tickets now cost £325, up from £300, while six-month options have risen from £575 to £600.
Elsewhere, overnight season tickets for off-street parking between 6pm and 8am have increased from £150 to £160 for the annual option.
City centre resident season ticket prices will remain unchanged at their current levels, which have been steady since 2021. Residents can continue to purchase off-street tickets for £340 for six months or £650 for 12 months.
On-street parking options for residents also maintain existing pricing, with evening and weekend tickets available for £300 annually and on-street anytime permits costing £475 for six months or £900 for 12 months.
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The removal of the electric vehicle discount forms part of the council's broader strategy to manage parking demand effectively across the city centre.
The discount had previously provided significant savings for electric vehicle owners purchasing season tickets, as well as rewarding greener travel.
The council stated that the decision reflected the growing adoption of electric vehicles, with the current pricing structure needing to change to make it fairer for drivers of all vehicle types.
The council revealed it will also implement additional parking changes alongside the season ticket price adjustments.
Parking charges will impact the majority of council-owned sites
|SOUTHAMPTON CITY COUNCIL
The maximum stay period at Wyndham Place car park has been reduced from four hours to two hours, with corresponding tariff options removed to provide a short-stay facility in the Station Quarter area.
This change follows requests from local businesses in the area and is intended to improve parking turnover for short-term visitors. The reduction aims to provide an off-street short-stay facility while encouraging drivers to consider alternative transport options.
Additionally, the council will permit Zone 15 permit holders to use specified parking bays within Bond Street car park between 8pm and 10am.
This change has been designed to provide additional parking facilities for residents during late-night hours when the zone reaches capacity, but spaces remain unused in the Bond Street facility.