Dudley Council could introduce cut-price 50p car parking rate for first half-hour

Dudley Council has faced intense criticism since it scrapped one hour's free car parking on its car parks in October last year.

Cronin's Books and Bits in Dudley town centre blamed the parking charges and bus station redevelopment for its closure last month, and the Albionn cafe in Stone Street announced it would be cutting its opening hours as a result of the fees. 

It has also ruled out introducing charges for on-street parking.

The council said it was forced to introduce the charges of £1.60-£1.80 for the first hour due to intense financial pressures.

But council leader Councillor Patrick Harley said the improved financial situation means the council was now in a position to introduce a discounted 50p charge for the first half hour.

He said: “Our improved financial position means that we are now in a position to be able to do more to help our town centre businesses after a difficult few months.

“Traders have stuck with us through the very difficult decisions we have had to make, and we are very grateful for that. One of our priorities is supporting town centres and businesses and this will go some way to achieving that.”

In July last year the council's environment and regeneration sub-committee proposed the introduction of charges for on-street parking, beginning this year in Dudley town centre, Halesowen, Stourbridge, Brierley Hill, Amblecote, Coseley, Kingswinford, Lye, and being extended in the 2026/27 financial year to cover Cradley, Oldswinford, Quarry Bank, Sedgley, Wollaston, Wordsley and Netherton.

But Councillor Harley said: "That will not be happening as long as I'm the leader of the council."  

A motion tabled by Councillor Matt Cook calling for an hour's free parking to be restored was tabled for Monday's meeting of the council, but was put off until the next meeting on September 8 due to a lack of time.

Councillor Simon Phipps, cabinet member for economy and infrastructure, added: “The 50p charge will be the central focus for a series of tariffs to help shoppers visit our town centres without hitting them in the pocket.

“This new 30-minute charge will mean people can pop into town if they need to and we will also be looking at revising other charges if they need to stay longer. That’s good business sense from the council and good for town centre businesses.”

Council leaders say the authority's income had increased by 293 per cent this year, equating to £1.2million.

They say the move will also create a budget for improvements to car parks for the first time.

The charges will be considered as part of a wider review of fees and charges in the autumn which will also include a public consultation.