Drivers in the West Midlands could soon see major changes to their local car parks as a council introduces bold measures to raise money.
Staffordshire Moorlands District Council is set to implement new automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras and cashless payment systems across its car parks.
Council officers estimate that introducing charges at currently free car parks could raise an additional £103,750 per year for the district.
The ambitious modernisation plan includes the introduction of ANPR technology and card-only payment options at selected car parks throughout the region.
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Drivers could soon see ANPR cameras and cashless parking machines in the West Midlands
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The proposals have already sparked debate among local councillors, leading to modifications of the original plans following concerns about their impact on residents and businesses.
The council has agreed to proceed with trials of the new technology, with ANPR systems to be tested at three car parks initially.
Proposals suggest introducing charges at 10 car parks that are currently free to use across the district.
Plans also include extending charging periods at some car parks from 3.30pm to 6pm, which could generate an additional £37,500 in annual revenue.
The changes would see a shift towards modernised payment systems, with some car parks moving to card-only payments.
However, following concerns raised during council discussions, leaders have agreed to review some aspects of the original proposals.
The authority has committed to engaging with parish and town councils regarding the future of free car parks in their areas.
Local councillors have raised significant issues about the impact of the proposed changes, particularly regarding school runs and local businesses in Cheadle.
Following extensive discussions, the council has agreed to a compromise solution, implementing trials of new technology across selected locations.
ANPR systems will be tested at three car parks in the district as part of the initial rollout, while the council has approved car park trials for card-only payments and overnight charging.
Councillor James Aberley warned about the potential unintended consequences of the new charging system.
“If we start charging, people will just fill the streets and that will create a whole other problem,” he told the BBC.
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The authority has committed to working with parish and town councils to explore alternative solutions, with some members suggesting that smaller councils could take ownership of certain free car parks.
This collaborative approach aims to maintain free parking options while modernising payment systems where appropriate.
