Labour-run Plymouth City Council has agreed to increase on and off street parking charges by up to 365%. This comes alongside an inflation-busting council tax increase of 5%.
The Labour cabinet, led by Cllr Tudor Evans (Ham), has agreed to make the following changes, effective from mid-April 2026:
- Increasing on-street parking charges by up to 65 p an hour.
- Increasing the cost of long stay permits to £617.50, an increase of 30%.
- Hiking residential permit costs and disabled bays to £63 and £56 respectively, both up 30%.
- Increasing the price of council-owned multi-storey car parks by up to 27%.
- Charging motorcyclists to use council-owned car parks for the first time.
- Increasing the cost of commercial wharf access from £33 to £153.40, an increase of 365%.
During the Full Council meeting on Monday, 16th March 2026, Cllr Chris Wood (Conservative, Eggbuckland) told councillors that:
"Residents in Plymouth already pay multiple layers of taxation to simply own and operate a vehicle."
On top of VAT, vehicle excise duty, DVLA registration fees, fuel duty and insurance premium tax, Cllr Wood claimed that above-inflation increases in parking charges would further penalise residents.
"This further penalises residents for parking in our car parks, and on the roads that they have already paid to maintain through their council tax."
"In what world do you think increasing taxes, fees and charges well above the rate of inflation will help people with the cost of living crisis, or help businesses in our city?"
Cllr Wood questioned why the changes had not been brought before all councillors at last month's budget setting meeting, instead being agreed at a meeting of the Council's Cabinet
Meanwhile, Rebecca Smith MP (Conservative, South West Devon) expressed her own concerns about the proposals to charge £2 for stays over an hour at the Jennycliff and Mountbatten car parks. Both of these car parks are currently free.
"These are some of Plymouth’s most loved coastal spots – used by families, dog walkers and visitors enjoying the coastline, while also supporting local businesses like the café."
Councillor John Stephens (Labour, Plymstock Dunstone) explained the changes in a statement released on the council's website.
The changes won't affect Cllr Stephens however, as all Plymouth City Councillors receive free parking across the city.
Senior councillors and cabinet members like Cllr Stephens and Cllr Evans enjoy even greater privileges than most councillors, with access to the prestigious Council House car park. Cllr Stephens said:
"Like most other local authorities, we are facing significant financial challenges due to rising costs and demand and that means having to keep all our charges under review.
"Benchmarking against 26 other cities shows that our on-street and off-street charges are significantly lower. These changes are essential if we are to balance fairness, financial sustainability and the high-quality service our customers deserve.”
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