The councillor in charge of transport in Warwickshire has been told to consider a U-turn on plans to hike on street parking charges as part of a council bid to raise £3 million from motorists each year.

In December, Cllr Jennifer Warren approved plans to increase the cost of 15-minute parking prices in Kenilworth, Warwick, Leamington Spa and Stratford-upon-Avon.

Plans approved last year also included a new 10-minute free parking period.

However, concerns have been raised that the changes could see the system abused or discourage shoppers from heading to the town centres.

The portfolio holder for transport and planning will this week consider backtracking on the decision.

"Maintaining a lower priced 15-minute price point will further encourage motorists to utilise on-street parking bays for quick delivery/pick up type activities, maintaining regular throughput of visitors to the town, further supporting town centre economic growth," a council report said. 

"Keeping this shorter parking duration will also have a positive impact on compliance levels with motorists less likely to chance non-payment for a shorter stay."

In December it was agreed to increase the 15-minute charge from 30p to 45p. This could now be dropped to 35p.

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A council report has also recommended local businesses should be consulted about the parking price changes.

Parking price hikes approved by WCC in December

The report continued: "It is not recommended to introduce a 10-minute free parking period in pay and display areas, as on-street parking space is limited and in high demand, and effective parking management is essential to minimise congestion and maintain traffic flow. 

"A free short-stay period would be open to misuse because current machines do not record vehicle registration numbers, enabling motorists to obtain multiple free tickets and creating an unsustainable enforcement burden. 

"Financially, such a scheme would result in higher enforcement and administrative costs due to increased patrol requirements. as well as a loss of parking income where motorists repeatedly take advantage of the free period."

The Reform UK administration at Warwickshire County Council has already decided not to increase the price of parking permits in the county, despite the advice from financial officers to do so.

Other decisions made in December - including to find further pay and display areas "to address congestion and road safety concerns" - are to be kept in place.

The other on-street charges are due to go up by more than 10 per cent across Leamington, Warwick, Stratford and Kenilworth from April 2026.

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When the new charges were approved in December, Cllr Jan Matecki spoke out against the 15-minute changes saying keeping them at 35p would cost the council less than £24,000 per year but "could encourage greater local spending and support town centres". 

Cllr Matecki also pointed out the change would only impact the south of the county as there are no on-street parking charges in Nuneaton and Bedworth and North Warwickshire.