RESIDENTS are being urged to have their say on council plans to introduce evening and Sunday car park charges.

Cash-strapped Cheshire East Council has launched a consultation on proposals to introduce the changes on car parks it owns across the borough.

The changes would see the charging period extended at car parks to 10pm, along with introducing Sunday charging – the tariffs for which would be in line with the rates for the rest of the week.

This consultation, which runs until October 9, comes after the council approved controversial plans to introduce parking charges in the currently ‘free’ towns and villages and hike up fees in those which already pay.

Cllr Mark Goldsmith, chairman of Cheshire East's highways and transport committee, said these latest proposals could ease some of the council's current financial burden.

He said: “All our car parks need maintenance, management, and enforcement and the financial impact of this doesn’t pause after a certain time or on Sundays.

“The related costs are significant and continue to rise. As a council, we are facing huge financial challenges – with a forecast funding gap of £100m over the next four years.

“The proposals we are now consulting on will help to reduce some of that financial burden.

“It could potentially provide up to £2m over the next four years to support other council services, such as highways maintenance, bus services and active travel schemes. 

"Therefore, we cannot ignore this option, and so are consulting on the idea."

The consultation follows approval given by the council’s highways and transport committee in January this year.

Cheshire East says all representations will be considered, with a final decision on the proposals subject to the outcome of the consultation.

Notices about the proposals are displayed in the council’s car parks and are also available to view on the council’s website.

To respond to the consultation, email carparksreview2024@cheshireeast.gov.uk and use ‘Variation 12’ as the email subject header.