Norwich City Council increasing parking fees in January 2024

The new prices will be rolled out at St Andrews, St Giles and Rose Lane multi-storey car parks as well as pay and display sites across Norwich later this month. 

Parking fees were frozen in the city for five years until 2022 when they saw a hefty increase.  

The latest increase will see all charges go up by 7.5pc, rounded to the nearest 10p. 

But combined with 2022's increase it will mean some costs have risen by a combined 80pc in two years. 

Some local businesses fear the latest rise will hit their trade. 

Mark Hedge, manager of Cookes Band Instruments Picture: Sonya Duncan (Image: Archant)

Mark Hedge, owner of Cookes Band Instruments, in St Benedicts Street, said: “I think people will pay it but there’s so many empty shops here now that it’s getting harder and harder to get people off the sofa and into Norwich. 

“It’s just another thing that won’t help any business large, small or independent. 

“Ever since Covid we have been hit by one thing after another and they just continue to make it more challenging. 

“I’m convinced they must have shares in Amazon and want to promote not visiting shops.” 

St Andrews car park in Norwich (Image: Archant)

Mr Hedge said car travel was essential for his customers, who are often buying larger, more expensive items, which they will want to transport more safely by car.  

“The parking increase is just another thing sent to try us,” he added. 

The increase is set to be implemented on January 30. 

The changes to multi-storey charges are: 

• St Andrews, going from between £2 (one hour) and £10 (over five hours) to £2.20 and £10.80. Prior to November 2022 the fees were between £1.80 and £6 
• Rose Lane, going from between £2 and £7.50 to £2.20 and £8.10.  
• St Giles, is increasing from between £2 and £15 to £2.20 and £16.10. Prior to 2020 the fees also between £2 and £15. 

The increase from £6 before November 2022 to £10.80 this month has added 80pc to the charge. 

Pay and display charges (Barn Road, Colegate, Magdalen Street, Queens Road, Rouen Road, St Crispins and Westwick Street) have a variety of charges, but all start a £2 currently raising to £2.20 at the end of the month. 

Chantry, Chapelfield East, Monastery Court, and Pottergate car parks all start at £2.20 which will go up to £2.40. 

The most expensive pay and display car parks to stay in all day are Pottergate, Chantry, Chapelfield East and Monastery Court, which will all be charging £21.50, up from £20. 

Evening charges at all car parks are rising from £3 to £3.20. 

Jack Cousens, head of roads policy at The AA, said councils are treating parking fees like a cash cow and the increase could harm traders.

He said: “One of the quickest ways to raise cash for councils is to hike up parking fees.

"However, local traders will be nervous as rises in parking charges have already contributed towards more people shopping online.

"In effect, many local authorities are killing the goose that lays the golden egg.

“At the same time, cash-strapped councils are walking a tightrope of their own making. While asking drivers to use their cars less, they are dependent on parking fees to fill their coffers.”

Councillor Mike Stonard, leader of Norwich City Council, said: “Councils have to make difficult decisions about the money we spend and how we raise the necessary income for the services we prioritise.

"It is always a balancing act, and fees and charges are an integral part of that."

He encouraged the public to share their views as part of this year's budget consultation.