BREAKING NEWS: Councillors agree parking increases

Chichester District Council cabinet agreed a number of proposals, which will see a day’s stay in most long-stay car parks in the city centre rise from £4.90 to £5.40.

Prices are set to increase for the fourth successive year, subject to consultation.

But leader Tony Dignum attempted to reassure shoppers, residents and visitors, stating the price of nearly three quarters of tickets sold in the city centre would remain unchanged.

Relaying his key messages at the cabinet meeting, Mr Dignum said: “We are ensuring 70 per cent of tickets sold in Chichester are unchanged in price. We are making no change in Chichester rates for three hours or under, except in Little London and Baffins Lane.

“We are encouraging residents to go to the less-used long and short-term car parks by freezing all their rates. We are freezing all hourly rates for two years.”

Readers on the Observer Facebook page reacted negatively to the proposals last week, with concerns raised that the rises would push motorists onto residential streets.

The city’s long-stay car parks will be subject to an increase, with the exception of the Avenue de Chartres facility, which will stay the same to encourage more usage.

The Sunday tariff for long-stay car park stays of more than four hours will rise from £2 to £3 – the first rise since Sunday charges were introduced in 2012.

X-roving and specific season ticket are to increase by £3 and £4 per month respectively. Season ticket discounts will be available as before but exclusively online.

A price increase for the in-demand Little London and Baffins Lane short-stay car parks will see one hour’s stay go from £1.20 to £1.40.

Small rises in rural car parks, including Selsey, East Wittering and Bosham were also approved.