Drivers in Cambridge are set to pay more for parking outside their homes as the system of residents parking permits is reviewed.
Prices currently stand at around £1 a week for parking, but transport chiefs have revealed they may need to increase prices to generate income following recent budget cuts.
Studies have shown that a typical pay and display parking space in Cambridge city centre could potentially generate around £1000.
The study shows that shows that many bays within the city centre are currently set aside for cheaper residential use and could potentially generate much needed income for the Council since its central budget was cut last month by the new coalition government.
A local community group, the Riverside Area Residents Association, has argued that allowing people to park near their own homes should not be seen as a profit making opportunity.
Lynette Gilbert from the Association commented: “Residents would be unhappy if there was a big increase in the cost of a permit which was not proportional to the cost to the council.
“There are clearly costs associated with administrating the scheme, and the cost has been fixed for quite a few years, but any increase should only be proportional to the cost of the scheme to the council. Permits should not be a profit centre.”
