Wellingborough and Rushden drivers likely to be charged to park in North Northamptonshire Council-owned car parks under proposed new strategy

The draft strategy brings together the wide range of parking arrangements inherited from the former district and borough councils, aiming to improve customer experience, reduce congestion in town centres and support more sustainable travel choices.

Across North Northants currently, residents, visitors and businesses encounter differences in pricing, payment options and parking rules depending on where they are in the area and the standard of parking.

Council bosses say the draft strategy, which is likely to include a ‘user pays’ principle, is looking to reduce confusion for users, making the parking experience clearer with one standardised approach across all car parks.

It is proposed that a banded approach to tariffs is introduced (subject to the necessary consultation and amendments to traffic regulations orders) at all North Northants Council-owned car parks.

As part of the strategy, a number of car parks across North Northants are proposed for the introduction or retention of parking charges, such as the multi-storey car park in Wellingborough town centre which is currently free.

It is hoped that the proposals will reduce the financial burden to the council and ensure that car parking across North Northants is self-sustaining.

Included within the draft strategy are proposed tariffs which would ensure that car parks cover their costs including business rates, utilities, repairs and maintenance. By law, any surplus generated through car parking costs must be spent on defined uses including highway improvements, public transport improvements and environmental measures.

Where no tariff is currently charged for a public car park, the provision of the car park is effectively paid for by North Northants taxpayers rather than the users of the car park. Adopting a ‘user pays’ principle provides a consistent, reliable and sustainable option for users.

The report due to be considered by councillors next week says: “The principal change is the introduction of charges in areas that are currently free to park, supporting a transition towards a more consistent and actively managed parking system within town centres.”

Proposals also include a phased investment programme to improve the quality, appearance and functionality of council car parks. Investment will be prioritised so that funding is focused on the sites where it can make the greatest difference, considering factors such as condition, usage, accessibility, safety and customer experience.

Other proposals include increasing the use of contactless, cashless and app-based payment options and increasing electric vehicle infrastructure and improving accessibility and customer experience.

Cllr Chris McGiffen, executive member for highways and travel at North Northants Council, said: “A clear and consistent approach to parking is essential for our growing towns and communities.

"This draft strategy is designed to help ensure that all North Northamptonshire Council-owned car parks are fair, accessible and easy to use, while also supporting local businesses by improving the availability and turnover of spaces at some sites which have been mis-used over the years.

“It is hoped that proposals to modernise our systems and harmonise tariffs could resolve the disparity of the current system, whilst improving the service and ensure that parking services remain self-sustaining for the future.”

North Northants Council own and manage 49 car parks, providing in excess of 3,500 spaces spread across the administrative area.

Council leader Cllr Martin Griffiths said: “When our corporate plan was agreed unanimously by all councillors last year, we committed to fairer public services which cover the whole of North Northamptonshire.

“This draft strategy is a prime example of this and something I look forward to discussing with colleagues. But this is not a done deal and we plan to launch a full public consultation shortly to allow all residents and visitors to have their say.”

How the changes could affect a car park near you

It is proposed that the draft strategy applies to all North Northamptonshire Council-owned car parking assets, which includes car parks where tariffs currently apply:

- Parkland Gateway, Corby

- Victoria Place, Corby

- Train Station, Corby

- London Road, Kettering

- Municipal Offices, Kettering

- Commercial Road, Kettering

- Wadcroft, Kettering

- Queens Street, Kettering

- School Lane, Kettering

- Country parks

The following sites are also in scope for the consideration of tariffs or restrictions:

- Multi-storey car park, Wellingborough

- Jackson’s Lane, Wellingborough

- Chancery Lane, Thrapston

- Sackville Street, Thrapston

- Duck Street, Rushden

- John Street, Rushden

- Rectory Road, Rushden

- Portland Street, Rushden

- North Street, Rushden

- Station Road, Rushden

- Market Hill, Rothwell

- Bakehouse Lane, Burton Latimer

- New Street, Desborough

- Churchill Way, Burton Latimer

- Masefield Close, Desborough

- Chapel Lane, Corby

If the report is approved, formal public consultation on the draft strategy will begin as soon as possible and promoted via the council’s channels.

The findings of the consultation and draft strategy will then be reported to the council’s scrutiny committee before a final strategy is presented back to the executive for approval in early 2027.

North Northants Council’s executive will meet at 10am on Tuesday, September 15 at Corby Cube and the papers are now available online. The meeting will be livestreamed on YouTube.