DRIVERS in Northwich will have to dig deeper into their pockets for parking come the new year.

Parking charges in council-run car parks in the town are set to increase from January 17, 2024.

The new charges will apply to Cheshire West and Chester Council’s (CWAC) Memorial Hall, Victoria Club, Watermans, Verdin, Market, and Cumberland car parks.

The biggest increase applies to two-hour stays, which will rise by 150 per cent, from 20p to 50p.

Stays of up to four hours, six hours, and more than six hours, will see a flat rate 30p increase across the board.

This means the maximum charge of £3 will rise to £3.30.

Cheshire West and Chester Council says it has ‘invested significantly' in its car parks in recent years, including expanding the range of payment options for users.

A CWAC spokesman said: “Parking charges in the borough have not been increased in line with inflation for many years, and in some cases for more than 10 years.

“Blue badge holders will still be able to park for free for up to four hours, and borough residents can register for a special micro-chip blue badge for use in some large ANPR controlled car parks.”

CWAC councillor for Witton ward, Sam Naylor, which includes the town centre, said the council is facing a budget deficit of £47 million over the next four years, adding: “Like all councils across the UK, CWAC is under severe pressure to balance the books.

“It will need to make cuts and savings, and charges for a range of services will be increased.

“I appreciate the difficult times we live in, and l know how disappointed motorists and businesses will be. 

"But councils, like all of us, have to attempt to make ends meet.”