Top 10 most expensive councils for parking revealed - one charges nearly £7 per hour
As the price of fuel and insurance drives up the cost of motoring continues to rise, a new study has found the most expensive places to park a car in the UK.
The vehicle cover provider Churchill Motor Insurance has shared the most expensive parts of the UK to use a public car park, warning prices have increased considerably in the past two years.
According to the company, many local councils have increased parking charges since 2022, with the average hourly rate to use a public car park rising by 11 percent to £1.29.
Nicholas Mantel, Head of Churchill Motor Insurance, noted that the price rises are often seen as a way for councils to encourage drivers to use public transport.
He explained: "We know that increased parking charges aren't all about raising money for councils. Often, they are also put in place as a traffic management measure, encouraging people to use alternative transport options.
"With that in mind, no matter their location, drivers should check parking charges in advance of any journey and look to see where they might be able to find a cheaper rate."
According to Churchill Motor Insurance's study, Bracknell Forest Council has the highest average charges to use public car parks in the UK.
Motorists in the Berkshire town pay an average of £6.65 per hour to park their car, more than double the price of many other councils in the country.
As a result, motorists who need to park their car in a public car park for work could face a charge of £53.20 per shift.
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Generally, local authorities in the southern part of the UK charged the most for car parking, with the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea coming second with an average fee of £4.90.
However, some populated parts of Scotland also imposed high prices, with the City of Glasgow and East Lothian appearing in the top 10.
Some popular seaside towns were also found to charge some of the highest parking prices in the UK, including Blackpool Council and Brighton and Hove City Council, with many tourists using these car parks to visit local attractions.
Top 10 most expensive councils for parking (average rate per hour):
- Bracknell Forest Council - £6.65
- Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea - £4.90
- Wyre Forest District Council - £4.05
- Blackpool Council - £3.75
- Brighton and Hove City Council - £3.38
- City of Glasgow - £3.38
- Lancaster City Council - £3.30
- Welwyn Hatfield Council - £3.10
- London Borough of Sutton - £3.00
- East Lothian Council - £3.00
