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Parking charge rise was an error, says council

Alex PopeNorthamptonshire
News imageNadia Lincoln/LDRS A parking machine covered in black tape, with a sign on it, next to a sign also covered in black plastic, with a number of notices on it. A car is behind the sign, by buses and trees. Nadia Lincoln/LDRS
Machines and boards have been taped up since the error was discovered

A council has apologised for introducing higher car park charges "in error".

Reform UK-led West Northamptonshire said it should have carried out a statutory public consultation before making the changes.

It came after general rates were increased from 1 April, and two hours of free parking at weekends was stopped. It also removed discounts for blue badge holders as part of its 2026-27 budget.

The authority said it would now give blue badge holders "a full refund" and anyone who paid the higher charges will be reimbursed the difference.

News imageA car park machines, with a car park sign in a car park. There are two machines and one sign.
The Upper Mounts car park machines before the changes came into force on 1 April

Stuart Timmiss, Reform executive director of place, economy and the environment, said: "We apologise unreservedly to anyone that has been affected by this error.

"We know this falls far short of the standards our residents expect from council officers, and how we should be delivering services, and I would like to assure them that we are taking swift action to put this right."

He confirmed that "Penalty Charge Notices relating to these errors will also be cancelled and refunded".

The council said most refunds will be made automatically, but if it is unable to do this, people can claim reimbursement.

It affects the following car parks:

  • Albion Place
  • Campbell Square
  • Midsummer Meadow
  • The Ridings
  • St John's Multi-Storey
  • Upper Mounts
  • Wellington Street
News imageTwo car park machines in a car park, with separate signs above and trees in the distance.

Before the change, it was free to park on Saturdays, Sundays, and bank holidays, and at Brixworth Country Park, on Saturday mornings.

The council said the changes could return, but it is "required by law to carry out a formal public consultation" first.

"Once the consultation closes, we will consider any responses and publicise any changes we decide to introduce", it added.

The error has not affected on-street parking as these charges were implemented correctly, it confirmed.

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