New parking scheme could see drivers forced off roads and hit with 'double costs'

Motorists could be hit with soaring parking costs as a local authority seeks to enhance air quality and cut traffic. Bristol City Council is considering a hike in residents' parking permit prices, potentially more than doubling the current rates.

The council's plan involves increasing the annual cost of residents' parking permits from £56 to £124 in specific zones throughout the city. This move would phase out existing pay and display machines over five years and is projected to generate an additional £620,000 annually for the council.

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Official council documents stated: "Within the context of Bristol's Transport Policy, the council needs to consider a range of initiatives to further improve air quality and make more efficient use of on and off street, public car parking spaces. The evidence base outlines proposals to make changes to parking charges to keep up with inflation, to rationalise any anomalies and to ensure that the cost of the first Residents' Parking Permit covers the full cost of current operations. The report also notes the need for an integrated approach and recommends setting up a Task and Finish Group to develop and deliver a holistic Parking and Kerbside Strategy."

The council has also proposed other changes, including the introduction of a workplace parking levy (WPL), which could set drivers back by £20 per week. This tax measure is designed to reduce the number of vehicles in the city, with the costs intended to discourage vehicle use.

Nottingham's scheme, which has been operational since 2012 and has raised £83million in revenue so far, is being hailed as a success by experts. "Bristol has a different layout and business distribution to Nottingham, so a different approach is proposed."

"Rather than a lower city-wide charge a higher, smaller central core area scheme is an option for Bristol." The proposed central charging zone could cost around £20 per week and generate between £8million and £10million annually. However, the council cautioned that it could cost up to £1million depending on the size and type of measure.

Residents have already voiced their disapproval of the proposed tax and parking charges, with one individual warning it will have a "massive effect on people".

"They should be putting the buses back into public ownership and then people might start thinking about using public transport," one person suggested.

"It's a wonderful way to get businesses to vacate Bristol as it is being priced out through extra tax levies on the motor vehicle - the family car." Another worried driver warned: "On top of the proposed pay-per-mile scheme, fuel duty and running a second car. I might as well swap my job for a minimum wage job near my house because I'd be better off the way the new Government and local councils are penalising you for taking a job further away from your home. My 26 miles in a car would take four hours using public transport."

The council is due to make a decision on Thursday, September 12, with motorists anxiously waiting to see if new charges will be introduced.