ANOTHER council in the West Midlands has announced changes to its car parking fares will come into effect next month.

Wolverhampton Council has increased the price of parking in council-owned car parks for the first time in more than five years.

The price increase will come into force as of November 4 and will see council-owned car parks aligned with the cost of parking in “the vast majority” of privately-owned city-centre car parks.

In Zone One car parks, it will now cost £4 to park your car for over four hours, with it costing £8 in Zone Two and £9 in Zone Three for the same length of time.

In at least two car parks, the new price is double what drivers would have previously had to pay to park for this length of time.

The council has said the decision reflects the increase in costs of running the car parks.

Wolverhampton is not the only council in the region that has increased parking charges to tackle financial difficulties.

From October 1, Dudley Council also increased parking charges across the borough, with residents starting a petition in an attempt to stop the plans.

A spokesperson for the council said: “The difficult decision has been taken to increase city centre car parking charges in Wolverhampton for the first time in more than five years following a review of prices.

 "Customers are being made aware through signage at the car parks and the new prices are listed [on our website].

"The prices have been zoned so they remain cheaper outside of the city centre and other incentives will be considered to encourage visitors in too.

"Seasonal parking permits are available on all city-centre car parks and discounts apply at 10% per quarter, and 20% per annum. A discount of up to 25% is also available for those purchasing business permits.

"Having well-maintained car parking facilities to serve customers coming in is an important part of Wolverhampton's future development and builds on the major investment being made in the city centre.

"City of Wolverhampton Council-owned car parking spaces currently account for 41.8% of the city centre provision.

"Like other councils, we are facing significant financial challenges, needing to save £32.6 million over the next three years.

"The new charges, which are comparable with neighbouring local authorities, are expected to generate an additional £1m a year towards the budget challenges.

"This money will also help protect critical frontline services and provide support for the most vulnerable and needy in the city."

A full list of the new prices can be found on the City of Wolverhampton Council's website.