Exeter City Council Plans Car Park Fee Increases

Exeter City Council is consulting on raising car park charges, proposing a 7% increase that would raise the cost of a two-hour stay in central car parks from £4.50 to £4.90 and an all-day ticket from £18 to £19.30. The council is also considering shifting car parks at Howell Road and The Triangle into the more expensive central zone. Additionally, drivers may be asked to cover the approximately 20p transaction fee for using the RingGo mobile payment app, a cost previously absorbed by the council. Parking fees are a significant revenue source, generating around £12 million annually and funding various services, maintenance, improvements, and carbon reduction efforts, with £75,000 earmarked for these purposes. Council members acknowledged the challenge of balancing revenue needs with the risk that higher charges could deter city centre footfall and push shoppers to avoid paid parking areas. The consultation follows a year without charge increases, amid expectations that car park usage may decline over time.