Residents and local businesses in Brighouse, a town within Calderdale, are worried about a significant increase in parking charges that was recently approved by the local council. This decision will affect the fees for “premium” on-street parking spaces in the town center, where rates are expected to rise by up to 400%. The changes were agreed upon by Calderdale Council Cabinet members as part of an initiative to manage parking more effectively, particularly in high-demand areas. However, not everyone is on board, as some community leaders believe these increases could harm local businesses and deter shoppers from visiting the area.

A Big Change in Parking Costs

Under the new plan, certain streets in Brighouse will see a substantial increase in parking fees. Streets like Commercial Street, Bradford Road, King Street, Market Street, Gooder Street, and Briggate are all on the list for rate changes. For example, drivers who park in short-stay, one-hour bays on these streets will notice a sharp rise in prices—from 20p to £1 for a 30-minute stay and from 40p to £2 for a full hour.

This new fee structure affects not only Brighouse but also some areas in Halifax and Hebden Bridge, where “premium” parking spaces will see similar adjustments. According to the council, these “premium” slots are high-demand spaces, mostly located in central on-street bays.

Why Are Parking Fees Increasing?

The council estimates that the new parking rates in Brighouse will bring in an additional £100,000 in revenue. This extra income is intended to help fund local projects, particularly those included in the £19.1 million Town Deal program aimed at improving and regenerating the town center. As part of these redevelopment plans, some on-street parking spaces will be removed to make room for other infrastructure improvements. The council believes that reducing the number of on-street parking options and increasing the fees on those that remain will encourage people to use alternative parking options, such as off-street car parks, where rates are generally lower.

Local Concerns About the Impact

Despite the council’s reasoning, many residents and business owners are not happy with the decision. Howard Blagbrough, a local councillor representing Brighouse, voiced his concern about how these increased fees might impact the community. He believes that a 400% rise in parking fees will discourage people from shopping in Brighouse, which could reduce the customer base for local businesses.

Councillor Blagbrough points out that local businesses are still dealing with the effects of previous parking fee increases, which were implemented last year. According to him, many community members were already finding it difficult to afford those higher fees, and these new, even higher rates may be more than they can handle.

In a statement, Councillor Blagbrough said, “Short-stay parking in Brighouse will skyrocket by 400% under these proposed plans by this Labour Cabinet. Local residents and businesses are still reeling from the unexpected blow of last year’s increases, which were hard enough. But these new proposals show a complete disregard for the impact these increases will have.” He further explained that one business had already chosen to relocate, as shoppers were increasingly opting to go elsewhere where parking is less costly.

The Council’s Perspective

In response to these concerns, Councillor Sarah Courtney, a member of the council’s Cabinet responsible for Regeneration and Transport, explained the reasoning behind the fee increases. She highlighted that on-street parking fees are deliberately set higher than off-street rates to encourage drivers to use car parks instead of occupying premium spots on busy streets. According to her, this approach aims to reduce traffic congestion, which in turn will help create a safer and more pleasant town center.

“A town center clogged up with vehicles hunting for cheap on-street spaces is not going to be safe, vibrant, and economically successful,” she said. “By raising the tariffs, we hope to encourage motorists to park in the nearby car parks, especially as these changes are intended to reduce disruption during the town’s improvement projects.”

Councillor Courtney also shared data showing that even during peak hours, there are usually around 160 empty spots available in off-street car parks around the town. This data supports her view that the new pricing will encourage a smoother flow of traffic while still providing plenty of parking options for people who want to visit Brighouse.

Aiming for Long-Term Benefits

Councillor Courtney believes that these changes are essential to ensure Brighouse can thrive in the future. With the Town Deal investment of £19.1 million, the town aims to become a more attractive destination for both shoppers and businesses. In her view, this new parking structure is part of a larger plan to create a well-organized, accessible town center that can handle increased visitor numbers.

The council has also clarified that Blue Badge holders, who are people with disabilities, are exempt from these new parking charges. This decision aims to ensure that parking remains accessible for those who need it most.

A Balanced Approach?

While the council is confident that the parking fee increase is a step toward a more organized and economically vibrant town center, community members like Councillor Blagbrough remain concerned. Many believe that the rise in fees is too drastic and could have unintended consequences for Brighouse businesses. Some fear that as parking becomes more expensive, shoppers might choose to visit nearby towns where parking is cheaper, thus reducing foot traffic in Brighouse.

The council, however, insists that the benefits of the fee increase will become evident over time, especially as the town begins to implement other changes funded by the Town Deal. They believe that having a well-organized parking system, with higher fees for premium spots, will ultimately help create a more enjoyable experience for visitors while supporting the town’s long-term economic health.