Sandwell Council has launched a consultation on proposed changes to its parking charges to bring the area in line with other Black Country boroughs’ charges.

The council’s current parking charges policy was introduced in November 2016.

At a Cabinet meeting on 20 July, cabinet members considered a report to review parking charges for the first time in six years. As part of the statutory process, the changes proposed to the parking charges policy are now subject to a public consultation.

Income generated from car parking charges is used to provide and maintain car parks, provide new parking restrictions such as residents’ parking schemes, tackle school gate parking problems and provide related services.

The move would also support other council policy objectives such as boosting active and sustainable travel, tackling climate change and improving air quality.

The proposals bring Sandwell in line with parking charges in the Black Country which range from 60p to £1.50 per hour. They also take account of changes in behaviour following the pandemic, with a range of season tickets available for nominated days of the week.

The increased charges are proposed to be phased in over five years. The proposals have also been designed to support small businesses, including through a new low cost 30-minute parking charge.

Parking will also be free of charge at the following times:

• free overnight after 6pm; free on Sundays;
• free on two Saturdays before Christmas;
• free every Saturday for season ticket holders as well as leaving short stay on-street charges unchanged in West Bromwich.

It is also proposed that a 50 per cent concession is introduced on season tickets for zero emission electric vehicles. Other concessions include free parking for blue badge holders and season tickets valid for use on nominated days at Sandwell Valley car park.

The new charges will not apply to Sandwell Valley car parks. Councillor Zahoor Ahmed, Sandwell’s Cabinet Member for Environment, said:

“Our car park charges haven’t been reviewed since 2016.

“These proposals are intended to bring our charges up to date and ensure we can continue to meet the cost of providing quality car parks and related services.

“We have sought to balance available parking with demand and support our wider ambitions to encourage active and sustainable travel, tackle climate change and improve air quality.

“We recognise that car parking is an important issue and know that some habits have changed during the pandemic, which is why we want to hear from as many people as possible.”

Full details of the consultation can be found online and may be examined in person at Sandwell Council House during normal office hours.The consultation closes on Friday 30 September 2022.

Once the consultation results have been collated and analysed, a further report on the outcome of the public consultation will be considered by Councillor Zahoor Ahmed, Cabinet Member for Environment, in a public meeting before final recommendations are agreed.

Subject to cabinet member approval, the new parking charges will come into force in early January 2023.