PLANS to increase charges at parking zones across Hull have been put on hold until a consultation has been carried out.
Councillors have supported plans to increase the price of parking in controlled zones, but said the rise will not go ahead until residents have been consulted.
People living in most controlled parking zones outside the city centre currently pay £7.50 a year for permits from the city council, but city centre residents have to pay £75 a year.
There is no charge at all for people living in zones near the KC Stadium, but a £33 charge had been proposed.
The council's cabinet this week agreed to increase the charges to ensure it can cover the costs of administration and enforcement.
Charges around the KC Stadium have also not been ruled out.
The decision on any increases has been delegated to the transport portfolio holder Martin Mancey.
He said: "We have to make it clear this isn't a charge on parking but on ensuring residents have a space outside their homes by preventing others parking there.
"Any charges we introduce are not to make extra money but only to recover the costs incurred.
"If we do look to increase charges then we will consult with residents first and give them the option on whether they want the zone at all."
A previous report suggested that, to recover the costs, a £33 charge for permits outside the city centre would be necessary.
Cllr Mancey ruled this out but those campaigning against increases fear residents will face a substantial price rise.
Councillor Claire Thomas has fought against plans to introduce charges around the stadium.
She said: "I am pleased that our campaign for there to be no introduction of parking charges for residents who live near the stadium has been successful so far.
"However, the Labour administration has not ruled this out for the future so I will be monitoring the situation to see what they propose for next year.
"Local residents have a right to know what will happen to the parking charges they will have to pay. Many residents are struggling to make ends meet.
"The Labour administration has already increased council tax. I really hope they will not increase the costs residents pay for parking on their streets too."
Diana Hatcher, who has been campaigning against the proposed increase, has urged the council to think before introducing hikes.
She said: "Several streets off Holderness Road have parking zones.
"Residents should not have to pay even more than they already do, just to park outside their own homes."
High Court: Parking zones most not be for profitTHE council spends an average of more than £8,800 a year on operating controlled parking zones, but only generates about £5,000 a year in permit charges.
Comparisons with other councils show much higher charges for non-city centre parking permits, ranging from £80 in North East Lincolnshire to £18 in Stoke.
About 7,500 permits are currently used by people living in the six stadium zones. Increasing financial pressures on the council as a result of government funding cuts are partly driving the need for a review of permit charges.
However, a recent High Court case ruled that councils must not operate permit-based on-street parking schemes to make a profit.
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