Council car park charges to increase next month across Wigan and Leigh

Back in 2020, Wigan Council agreed to increase the borough's car parking fees for the financial year from 2021 to 2022, but due to concerns around the pandemic, the rise was put on hold.

With fees stalling for two years, this resulted in car parking charges remaining at the same rate for the past decade.

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Spinning Gate car park will be affected by the plans (Image: Google Maps)

Car park fees to increase from April 1

Ahead of the budget for 2023/24, councillors agreed to increase car parking charges to the previously agreed rates in 2020, which will be implemented from April 1.

In the council-run car parks in Leigh, such as the Town Hall or Spinning Gate shopping centre, this will see a cost of 60p for an hour's stay, rising to £5 for more than six hours.

The income raised goes into running the car park facilities, the council say, as well as environmental initiatives.

The recently redeveloped Pennington Flash will also increase from £1.50 to £2.50, which councillors say will be reinvested in the Flash and wider nature reserve.

Contract permit prices will be increased by 10% in line with other Greater Manchester authorities, while free weekend parking will remain across the borough.

The Pete Shelley mural at Leigh Town Hall car park (Image: Robert Large)

Statement from Wigan Council

Dave Lyon, assistant director for environment and housing operations, said: “Income from parking supports both the running of car parking facilities and our continued investment in clean air and green initiatives.

“Our parking charges are benchmarked locally and, we believe, demonstrate excellent value for money.

“We have also extended our free weekend parking offer until at least 2024, providing a boost to local businesses by encouraging more visitors to our town centres.”