A MAJOR tourist hotspot has axed its £33-a-day parking fees over fears the charge was driving away day trippers.
Those wanting to visit the beach at Brighton, East Sussex have often been forced to pay the chunky sum to park their vehicles.
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But now plans by the Labour run Brighton and Hove City Council aim to eliminate the high cost to drivers.
Under the previously Green Party led leadership, the council desired to make the area “car free” in order to make it more pleasant for visitors and increase footfall.
However, city officials found that after dramatically increasing parking charges in the south coast city, the amount of revenue from parking decreased.
It is predicted that revenues from council-operated car parks are will fall below expectations by £1.16 million for the 2024/25 financial year.
When Labour won leadership of the council back in May 2023, it reversed measures designed to discourage visitors from driving to the seaside spot.
A report discussed by the council on Thursday, September 26, outlined the new need for action.
It said: “Over several decades, at least 200 different tariffs have been established, which include high, medium, and low emission tariffs for resident permits and visitor on-street parking.
“As a result, there is now a complex array of parking tariffs that are likely deterring visitors and residents alike.”
The most expensive council-run car park in Brighton, the Lanes, costs £33.50 to park for nine hours or £24 for four hours.
This week the council confirmed it would be cutting several one-hour and evening tariffs at car parks across the city in a bid to encourage more people to use the car parks.
Cllr Trevor Muten, the cabinet member for transport, told The Telegraphs that parking fees had “increased to the extent they have become more of a deterrent than an incentive for some visitors.”
Tory Cllr Alistair McNair, who leads the council’s opposition group said: “Parking revenue has been falling and the council has a reputation for being anti-car.
“We hope resident permit holders also get a reduction in their fees and this city starts to be car-friendly, which also means family and disabled-friendly.
“This parking charge reduction, while welcome, is a gamble as revenue could fall further because the city’s reputation has been tarnished for years.”
Everything you need to know about parking
