Dudley Council has announced a significant policy reversal, confirming that parking charges for the first two hours will be scrapped in its upcoming budget for the 2026/27 financial year. This move is designed to provide a much-needed boost to town centre businesses, which have been grappling with the ongoing cost of living crisis and reduced footfall.
Council Leader Confirms Free Parking Return
The authority's leader, Councillor Patrick Harley, revealed the change ahead of a cabinet meeting scheduled for January 29, where the reduction will be formally announced. Cllr Harley stated, "We always said when we removed the two hours free parking, as the council's finances improved, if they improved sufficiently enough, we would revisit the decision. I'm pleased to say, in the coming budget in early March we will be reintroducing the two hours free car parking for all Dudley Council-owned car parks."
Background and Business Impact
The introduction of parking charges in October 2024 sparked considerable resistance from local business owners, who argued that the fees were driving away customers and harming trade. Cllr Harley, who himself operates a pub, acknowledged the challenges faced by the high street, saying, "It's been a rough time, as someone who has got his own business I understand how tough that high street is but I'm hoping this measure goes a long way to show we have stuck to our word that we would introduce free parking when we could afford it."
Financial Balancing Act
Despite the controversy surrounding the initial implementation of charges, Cllr Harley defended the decision as a necessary step to stabilise the council's finances and avoid potential bankruptcy. He explained, "We had to stand by that decision, we had to do everything we could to try and claw in as much money as possible. The recovery happened far quicker than even I anticipated hence we were able to revisit the decision."
The charges led to a noticeable decline in the use of council car parks, prompting a reduction to a 50p tariff for short stays in October 2025. However, this adjustment did not generate the expected revenue. A report presented to the council's cabinet in November 2025 highlighted a budget shortfall of £700,000, attributed to "a higher than anticipated reduction on ticket sales," with the 50p cut adding a further financial pressure of £100,000.
Looking Ahead to Implementation
Cllr Harley emphasised that the parking scheme ultimately served its purpose, noting, "Income from car parking was where we budgeted for. Since we introduced the 50p charge, which is what residents and traders were asking for, usage on those car parks has massively increased. We have tried to do the right thing, balancing the council's finances, when we said we could we reduced the charges to 50p, now we are in a position to introduce the full two hours."
The full council is expected to approve the 2026/27 budget, including the changes to parking charges, at its meeting on February 23. Cllr Harley anticipates that the reintroduction of free parking will follow swiftly, stating, "The biggest problem is changing the signage, they can do that pretty quickly so I anticipate a few weeks after the budget we can reintroduce that two hours free parking."
This policy shift reflects the council's ongoing efforts to support local commerce and adapt to economic challenges, marking a positive development for Dudley's town centres and their future vitality.
