Wellingborough and Rushden car parking fees up for consultation

Consultation launched for car parking charges Image source, Google Image caption, Jackson's Lane in Wellingborough is one of the car parks where charges could be introduced By James Grant Northamptonshire Published 49 minutes ago A council has launched a consultation on plans to potentially introduce charges at car parks across two towns. The Reform UK-led North Northamptonshire Council has proposed bringing in fees at 49 car parks in Wellingborough and Rushden. The council said the plans would create a consistent approach and ensure its car parks cover their own costs, but that no decision has been taken yet. Chris McGiffen, the Reform councillor with responsibility for highways, said the draft strategy set out how parking could work at the sites over "the next 10 years". "No final decisions have been made on parking arrangements in the local area, this is one stage in a process," he added. Parking prices could be set according to demand and location, reviewing permits and installing more electric vehicle charging points. The council also wants to increase the use of contactless payments and mobile phone apps and potentially use income to reinvest in parking and transport facilities. Image source, PA Media Image caption, Gen Kitchen, Labour MP for Wellingborough and Rushden, has started a petition against the proposals In Wellingborough, charges are proposed at Jackson's Lane and the multi-storey car park, while in Rushden, Duck Street, John Street, Rectory Road, Portland Street and North Street are among the car parks included in the plans. It is free of charge to park at these locations currently. The Labour MP for Wellingborough and Rushden, Gen Kitchen, opposes the possible charges and launched a petition last year after the council first asked residents for their views on changes. She is organising a public meeting to discuss concerns among local people. Kitchen previously said: "The Reform-led council should be doing all it can to encourage people to visit our High Streets and support our shops, cafes and restaurants." The consultation runs until 20 December 2026. Do you have a story suggestion for Northamptonshire? Contact us below. Get in touch Your Voice Contact form Contact form Follow Northamptonshire news on BBC Sounds , Facebook , external , Instagram , external and X , external . Related topics North Northamptonshire Council Parking Wellingborough Rushden More on this story MP 'furious' about plans for car parking charges Published 10 September Related internet links North Northamptonshire Council