Motorists have hit out at Ealing Council after discovering parking in some parts of the borough has gone up by more than double since 12 December 2024.
Among the price increases that drivers have faced is a rise from 90p-£1.80 an hour to £1.10-£2.20 an hour and from £2.50-£5.00 a day to £5.50-£11.00 a day.
The price increase follows a December 2024 rise of up to 21% for residents to purchase visitor parking in the borough
The Labour-run council said parking prices are set depending on vehicle emissions with highest polluters paying more.
One concerned local told EALING.NEWS: “This morning we realised the parking on Drayton Green has gone up by over 100% for the day from £4.20 a day previously to a staggering £8.84 for the day today.”
They added: “As a family of two working parents based in office with 3 children under 5 and 2 drop off and pick up locations every morning and evening we have no choice but to park by the nursery and station each day so this will be another crippling cost increase we’re expected to just absorb whilst attempting to stay afloat in this hostile society for working parents.”
According to Ealing Council, Drayton Green hourly parking rose by an average of 21% and daily parking rose by an average of 117% across the different emission bands while overall across the borough, hourly parking has increased by an average of 17% and daily parking has increased by an average of 66%.
Leader of Ealing Liberal Democrats, Councillor Gary Malcolm told EALING.NEWS of his concerns. He said: “It seems that motorists are being hit by increases much larger than inflation.
“Liberal Democrats want to see a wide array of transport routes some people can use the most appropriate for them and the families. We want to see an encouragement to get people to walk or cycle not a sanctimonious approach that Labour often takes.
Speaking to EALING.NEWS, an Ealing Council spokesperson said: “We understand the recent increase in local parking rates may be difficult for some motorists. The council has done this for two reasons. Firstly, as a measure to reduce congestion and air pollution by encouraging more people to walk, cycle, or use public transport, when possible, when travelling around the borough. Supporting this, on street parking is charged at a lower rate for less polluting vehicles.”
They added: “Secondly, parking fees in some parts of the borough of Ealing were previously some of the cheapest in London. The new rates mean we are now better aligned with surrounding boroughs further encouraging the use of more environmentally friendly ways of commuting around the borough.
“The council is also working on a new transport strategy, to address the issues of congestion and air pollution. We will consult local people about its content before publication.”
The council has also said Blue Badge holders can park for free across the borough for an unlimited at disabled bays, pay and display bays, council managed car parks, stop & shop bays and resident bays.
