Coventry parking changes discussed

Coventry City Council has confirmed it is to carry out a review of city centre parking charges following requests for it to be free during the evenings.

Asked if it would consider a 12-month trial period of free evening parking in Coventry city centre, the authority replied that it will look into all of its fees and charges ahead of setting its Budget for 2027/2028.

Cllr Pratibha Reddy (Cons, Wainbody) says removing parking costs at night would increase visitor numbers, encourage people to stay longer and boost trade at businesses such as restaurants and bars.

The introduction of standard evening parking tariffs was approved by the Cabinet in November 2023. In June, the council confirmed that that £596,044 had been generated since the introduction of the night-time charges.

At a full meeting of the council, Cabinet Member for City Services Cllr Patricia Hetherton said: “There is a council review of all these fees and charges and that will be done for informing the Budget-setting for 2027/28.

“When we bought in those charges, we were under extreme financial pressure and yes it would have been great if we didn’t have to do that, but of course we did have to do that. We will look at it going forward, and make sure everybody will see what we are doing with the Budget-setting.”

In written information provided to the meeting, Cllr Hetherton added further details. She said a specific impact assessment had not been undertaken on the impact of evening parking charges on businesses, but added that data did not not suggest the fees had led to a decline in activity.

Cllr Reddy said: “Your answer confirms that no specific economic impact assessment was undertaken and that no business engagement or consultation took place prior to the introduction of evening parking charges. And the cabinet member will be aware that a number of city centre hospitality and evening economy businesses have unfortunately ceased trading in recent years.

“Whilst I recognise the business performances influenced by a range of factors, the cost and convenience of parking are undoubtedly important considerations for residents, and visitors when deciding whether to visit the city centre in the evening.”

Cllr Hetherton says all parking income is monitored but the council does not assess evening charges separately.

She said: “The introduction of standard evening parking charges was approved by Cabinet in November 2023 due to the prevailing financial climate at that time and was not subject to wider business engagement or consultation. It should be noted that the car park charging structure is consistent with other towns and cities across the region.

“It is acknowledged that a range of economic factors, including inflationary pressures and increases in parking charges, may influence the nighttime economy. However, these factors should not be considered in isolation.

“The performance of the nighttime economy is affected by a variety of additional considerations, including the quality and availability of leisure and entertainment opportunities, levels of consumer confidence, perceptions of safety, and access to public transport, and any assessment should adopt a holistic approach, taking account of the full range of contributing factors rather than focusing on individual influences in isolation.

“It is recommended that parking charges form part of the council’s annual review of fees and charges. The outcome of this review should be used to inform the Budget-setting process for 2027/28.”