Plymouth parking charges could rise as councillors discuss proposals today

Proposals to increase parking charges across Plymouth are set to be discussed by councillors this afternoon as part of efforts to address rising costs and budget pressures.

Members of Plymouth City Council will consider the changes during a cabinet meeting at 2pm today (Monday 9 March) at the Council House. 

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The proposals form part of the council’s annual review of parking services and could lead to higher charges for on-street parking, car parks and permits if approved.

Council officers say the changes are needed to maintain income for parking services while responding to increasing operational costs and financial pressures facing local authorities.

Among the proposals is an increase in on-street pay-and-display charges in the city centre. 

In Zone 1 areas, including Cornwall Street and New George Street, the hourly rate would rise from £2.40 to £2.80, while the cost of 30 minutes would increase from £1.20 to £1.40. 

Off-street parking charges in council-run car parks would also rise under the plans, although the council says the revised fees would still remain broadly in line with or lower than many other UK cities.

Permit costs for residents are also expected to increase to reflect the growing cost of maintaining permit schemes. 

The proposals also include a 50 per cent increase for each additional permit issued to the same household, which the council says is intended to discourage multiple car ownership and reduce pressure on residential streets.

Another proposal would introduce charges for all motor vehicles using council car parks, including motorcycles, so that any vehicle occupying a parking space would need to pay.

Changes to the way drivers pay for parking are also being considered. 

Plymouth City Council plans to replace and upgrade on-street payment systems, offering payment by debit or credit card, contactless, mobile wallets and the RingGo parking app.

As part of that upgrade, cash payments would be removed once the new system is installed. 

According to the council, more than 84 per cent of parking payments were made through RingGo during the 2024/25 financial year, while around three per cent were made using cash.

Additional proposals include introducing parking charges for Blue Badge holders along the Hoe Promenade, which the council says would help cover the costs of maintaining and enforcing the parking area.

Charges could also be introduced for stays of more than one hour at several coastal car parks, including sites at Mount Batten and Jennycliff. 

Under the proposals, the first hour would remain free, with a £2 charge for longer stays.

Councillor John Stephens, cabinet member for strategic planning and transport, said the council had already made several improvements to parking services.

He said: “We have been making a number of improvements to support motorists and businesses over the last year, however, like most other local authorities, we are facing significant financial challenges due to rising costs and demand and that means having to keep all our charges under review.”

If cabinet members approve the recommendations, notices of variation will be published before some changes are introduced. 

Plymouth City Council says certain proposals will also be subject to public consultation and would not be implemented until after the local elections in May.