THE cost of parking permits for residents in Malmesbury are set to rise this year.

Wiltshire Council has issued a notice increasing the cost of residents permits in selected off-street parking locations across the town. 

The changes will come into force from September 2, 2024 and will also affect applicable car parks in Calne and selected locations in Royal Wootton Bassett.

In Malmesbury, the cost of a 12-month permit at the Station Road Car Park is set to go up from £450 to £540.

A six-month permit will increase from £225 to £270 while a three-month permit will rise from £112.50 to £135.

The cost of a 12-month permit for off-street parking places in Calne will rise significantly from £400 to £540.

There will also be similar increases for six-month permits, which were £200 but will cost £270 moving forward, and three-month permits, which will rise from £100 to £135.

In Royal Wootton Bassett, the new cost of permits in Borough Fields Car Park will be £700 for 12 months (previously £524), £350 for six months (previously £262), and £175 (previously £131).

At the town’s Wood Street Car Park, the prices will shoot from £500 to £600 (12 months), £250 to £300 (six months), and £125 to £150 (three months).

Cllr Nick Holder, Cabinet Member for Highways said: “These off-street residents’ parking permits are part of an historic arrangement that was put in place by the former district council.

"In 2010, the Cabinet decided that these permits should be phased out as part of creating a unitary council to avoid duplicate schemes operating in the car parks, with residents permits operating alongside season tickets.

"Currently, across Wiltshire there are 48 permits affected by this change, thirteen of which are in Royal Wootton Bassett, one in Malmesbury and one in Calne.

"We have taken a phased approach to the harmonisation of the rates, with the residents’ permit price increased incrementally each year so that it is eventually the same price as a season ticket.

"All permit holders received a letter last month making them aware of the changes and explaining the reasons for it.”