Change to parking rate in Huddersfield

Mar 31 2010 by Barry Gibson, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

Change to parking rate in Huddersfield

PARKING charges in Huddersfield will change.

Kirklees Council’s Labour Cabinet decided yesterday to alter town centre tariffs – despite Conservative protests.

On-street parking from Monday to Saturday currently costs drivers 70p for 30 minutes, £1.40 for an hour and £2.10 for the maximum stay of 90 minutes.

The Cabinet decided to change this to £1 for 45 minutes and £2 for the maximum stay of 90 minutes.

The changes mean a slight dip in the per minute cost of parking. However, the minimum payment will rise by 30p.

Business parking permits will be hiked from £115 a year to £200 a year.

Conservative Clr Donald Firth told yesterday’s Cabinet meeting that the changes would hurt town centre businesses.

The Holme Valley South man said: “You’re putting up the minimum charge to £1. But the worst thing you’ve done is to put up the cost of parking permits for shopkeepers.

“Don’t you realise that shopkeepers are having a hell of a time during the recession? You say you’re helping businesses but you’re putting people out of business.