Wokingham Car Parking Charges To Increase

Car parking charges across the borough are set to increase this month, in a move to enable Wokingham Borough Council to continue delivering vital frontline services.

The increase in parking charges was agreed at the March executive meeting. The council acknowledges that while this isn’t a popular decision, tough choices must be made, and the increase will mean the council is able to continue with highway maintenance without taking funds from vital services our most vulnerable residents need, like children’s and adult’s social care.

A new two-tier system

This is the first time in over five years that the parking charges have been increased, and they remain competitive with neighbouring and similar areas, with a two-tier system being introduced after consultation with the public, meaning car parks outside of Wokingham town centre will see a lower increase.

We’re expecting to roll out the new charges from Tuesday 20 June, starting in Wokingham town centre on 20 and 21 June, then Woodley on 22 June and the remaining car parks on 23 June, although this could change. New signs will be put up at each site the day beforehand to inform visitors of the changes. A full schedule is below at the end of this article.

We are not immune from pricing increases

Councillor Paul Fishwick, executive member for active travel, transport and highways, said: “In our current financial position, we have had to make tough choices, and raising car park charges is one of them.

“There has been no increase to parking charges since April 2018, and so residents, businesses and visitors have enjoyed cheaper parking for longer, rather than the gradual increases seen in other areas.

“The time has now come though for the price to be raised, to cover the shortfall in the service area, so from the week beginning 19 June you will start to see the new charges being introduced.

“We are not immune to the cost of living crisis, and, like residents, are having to make difficult choices to make sure we can keep providing our most essential services.”

New charges

The daytime charging period for all off-street council owned car parks will increase from the current times of 8am until 6pm, Monday to Saturday, to between 6am and 10pm, Monday to Sunday.

Between 6pm and 10pm, users will pay a fixed fee of £1, parking overnight between 10pm and 6am will be free using a free vend ticket from the pay and display machines.

In Wokingham town car parks, the new daytime charges will be £1.30 (up to an hour), £2.50 (up to two hours), £4.50 (up to four hours), £6.50 (up to six hours), and £7 (over six hours).

Extended day parking charge of £6.50 will also apply to market traders using Cockpit Path car park and there will be a new overnight residents’ permit, available to all residents to park in council car parks overnight.

Outside Wokingham town, daytime charges at all other car parks will be,  £1 (up to an hour), £2 (up to two hours), £4 (up to four hours), £6 (up to six hours) and £7 (over six hours).

Extended day parking charge of £6.50 will also apply to market traders using Headley Road car park and there will be a new overnight residents’ permit, available to all residents to park in council car parks overnight. 

Between 6pm and 10pm, users will pay a fixed fee of £1, parking overnight between 10pm and 6am will be free using a free vend ticket from the pay and display machines. Season tickets are also available.

Full schedule of planned sign installation

by Wokingham