Drivers in Manchester hit by car parking charge increases

Parking charges have been 'quietly' increased by the council at a number of car parks and locations in central Manchester, angry drivers have said.

The 'early bird' morning rate at one of Manchester city centre's biggest and most-used car parks has risen by £2, the Manchester Evening News can reveal.

Manchester city council said after a review, changes have been made to 18 of the current 65 tariff bands currently in place at parking locations controlled by the town hall. A spokesman said the council would always encourage the use of public transport.

Motorists using the Arndale Centre car park, however, have blasted the price hike, which they said came into force without warning almost overnight. The parking option at the car park is one of the 18 tariff band changes now in force.

Last year, also in December, changes were brought in meaning motorists could park at the Arndale for 12 hours for £6 if they bought a ticket between 6am and 7.35am - or between 10am and 11.35am. A 12-hour rate of £7.20 was also introduced for tickets bought between 5pm and 6.05am.

Previously, drivers paid £5.50 for 12 hours if they arrived at the car park between 6am and 9am, making it ideal for many office workers.

Now display boards show the early bird prices are £8 across the board, for tickets bought between 6am and 7.30am, 10am and 11.30am and between 5pm and 6am. That's a £2 increase in the mornings and an 80p rise for post-5pm tickets.

The daily tariff charges at the Arndale are showing at exactly the same rate - from £3.70 for one hour to £20.50 for up to 24 hours of parking.

One motorist who uses the Arndale said apps were slow to update and were displaying inaccurate fees. "Working class people paying the price again," they said. For