Charges are being rolled out at some of Stockport's free car parks from tomorrow (8 January).

Stockport council has shared a list of 18 parking spots where the new fees will apply, with six more car parks set to get charges from February 10.

The move was voted for by a majority of councillors in 2024 to help balance the books.

Charges at the car parks start from 50p for an hour, 70p for two hours, and 90p for three hours, rising to £2.40 for up to ten hours.

Stockport council said a 'limited number' of resident permits will be available for those living near the car parks getting new charges who do not have access to on-street parking.

These permits are at the cost of £47.50 per year or £23.75 for Leisure Key holders, subject to meeting the criteria.

Derby Range car park (Image - Declan Carey LDRS)

Cllr Grace Baynham is Stockport council's cabinet member in charge of transport and roads in the borough.

She told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: "Introducing parking charges is never an easy decision but like councils across the country, we have to find ways to maintain and invest in our highways network for the future.

"The vast majority of our budget is spent on supporting vulnerable adults and children in Stockport, and these changes will help to ensure we can continue delivering a high quality transportation network that our communities can rely on.

"The introduction of these new charges will bring these car parks in line with others across the borough.

"The fees have been kept low and in some cases the increased turnover of vehicles will help shoppers find spaces when they need them."

Some councillors have flagged potential problems with the charges, with fears it could affect businesses and put people off visiting the shops.

Marple Councillor Steve Gribbon asked the council to think about bringing in a one-hour grace period.

"My concern locally is that the shops and businesses could potentially be affected by people who do their everyday morning and afternoon [visits], as in meet someone for a coffee and pick up a local paper, that sort of thing," he said.

"They would drive down from Mellor or the top of Marple Bridge, where walking isn't a great option for everyone particularly at this time of year, and my request for a period of grace was just simply to as much as anything try to see what the outcome would be, if there would be a change.

"My concern is while I do understand there is a deficit that needs addressing, maybe car parking-wise one fit doesn't fit all, such as if you're in a place where you've not got shops around and you need to park, or where places closer to shops it might just be that you're stopping for 15 minutes before you go on your way.

"I just wanted to make sure that our residents and local businesses were represented as much as possible in the present situation."

Cllr Baynham appeared to rule it out, saying: "I have been clear with members across the borough, that whilst various options were considered, it was found that introducing free periods would lead to increased costs, which would lead to the scheme becoming ineffective and unviable."

The free car parks in Stockport getting new charges from tomorrow (January 8) are:

• Andrew Street, Compstall
• Brabyns Brow, Marple Bridge
• Brabyns Park, Marple Bridge
• Bramley Close, Bramhall
• Brookside Lane, High Lane
• Buxton Road (Library), High Lane
• Buxton Road (Medical Centre), High Lane
• Church Road, Gatley
• Church Road/Woods Lane, Cheadle Hulme
• Derby Range, Heaton Moor
• Didsbury Road, Heaton Mersey
• Finney Lane, Heald Green
• Guywood Lane (Romiley Train Station), Romiley
• Hallam Street, Heaviley
• Hibbert/Church Lane, Marple
• Middlers, Marple Bridge
• Redhouse Lane, Bredbury
• Windlehurst Road, High Lane

The next batch of free car parks will become charged from February 10:

• Arnold Street/Hardcastle Road, Edgeley
• Ashbrook Lane, Reddish
• Green Street, Shaw Heath
• Margaret Street, Reddish
• Rupert Street, Reddish
• Torkington Park, Hazel Grove

~

Free from clickbait, Stockport Nub News is a quality online newspaper for our town.

To get our top stories in your inbox each week, subscribe to our free weekly newsletter HERE.

Please consider following Stockport Nub News on Facebook or X