Thousands of motorists will notice higher parking fees (Image: Getty)
Over 400,000 motorists have been targeted with new car rules this month under a major new
A set of new rules, including higher fees, have been introduced in parking bays across
The new policy means at previously free council-owned car parks.
Meanwhile, most car parks in the region will now become ‘cash-free’
It means motorists will have to make payments by debit or credit card at pay and display machines
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The new charges have been introduced this December (Image: Getty)
The updates came into effect on December 2 and will impact towns across Cheshire East such as Macclesfield, Crewe and Nantwich.
Councillor Mark Goldsmith, chair of highways and transport committee, defended the new updates as a “necessary” process.
He said: “While we recognise these new parking arrangements have caused some concerns, they are necessary to ensure all our towns are treated in a fair and equal way, and to reduce some of the financial burden facing the council.
“Each year, the cost of maintenance, management, and enforcement for all our car parks is considerable, and the costs continue to rise.
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“The council, for example, pays in the region of £900,000 a year in business rates for its car parks, but 70% of this is retained by central government. Therefore, it is only fair that each parking site contributes to these expenses.”
The 2021 Census shows Cheshire East has a population of just over 400,000 individuals.
However, councillors have put into place a series of offers to locals to minimise disruption.
Despite the updates, at least one car park in every town in Cheshire East will continue to accept cash payments.
Meanwhile, a ‘free after 3pm’ initiative will be extended allowing road users access to town centres for no cost.
Parking fees will also not start until 9am during the week to allow motorists to stop off on the school run.
Cllr Goldsmith added: “Once the changes have come into effect, we will continue to monitor the situation closely across the borough so that interventions can be made where necessary.”