Parking in Chelmsford city centre will become more expensive as of next year.

This follows a full council meeting where the proposal to increase parking fees by up to 50p across short and long stay car parks was voted to be passed.

This means that the price to park in long stay car parks will increase by 50p on the original price and the cost of leaving your car in a short stay car park of up to four hours will be an extra 20p.

These increases, which were decided in the Cabinet meeting last Tuesday evening, will take effect as of January 2018 and are proposed to last until the end of the following year.

The Council say that they are implementing these price hikes to encourage more people to use their Park & Ride scheme.

Councillor Susan Sullivan, Cabinet Member for Safer Communities, said, “Safe and secure car parking provision at a competitive cost is important for the vitality and continued growth of the City centre. Chelmsford has an excellent selection of car parks that cater for all kinds of needs for residents and visitors. 

"Costs of operating and maintaining our car parks are increasing, which has forced the Council to amend the pricing that was last reviewed in January 2016. The new charges, which are set for the next two years, will help to ensure that the city’s car parks remain sustainable.

“Some of the price changes are aimed at encouraging long-stay parkers to use alternative options, such as the Park and Ride or public transport. This frees up spaces for those who wish to park in the city centre to use its facilities and shops.

"These changes will enable us to fund improvements and continue to provide best-in-class affordable parking and support future growth and prosperity for the city.”