This meeting of the Executive will include consideration of a proposal to allow Northern Rail to manage and charge for car parking at Whaley Bridge train station.

Whaley Bridge Train Station Car Park

The Executive will consider a proposal regarding the future management of Whaley Bridge Train Station Car Park. The car park is currently owned in two halves by High Peak Borough Council and Northern Rail.

In May 2024, Northern Rail informed High Peak Borough Council of its intention to charge for parking on its half of the car park. Following discussions between the two organisations, a proposal has now been made for Northern Rail to take on the management of the entire car park, and to introduce charges for all parking spaces.

The report states that,

Whilst as a Council, we would not want to see charging on this car park, NR is clear that it will begin charging.

The report goes on to say that the Council is concerned that:

charging for half of the car park will lead to confusion with residents and visitors.

Under the terms of the proposal, Northern Rail would introduce a charge of £2 per day, or 50p per hour. Two parking spaces will be made available free of charge to holders of Blue Badges.

The report states that under the terms of the agreement:

NR will lead on the procurement and implementation of charging and will then pay HPBC a third of the gross income (net of VAT and App charges)

The report estimates that the Council will receive approximately £4-5,000 per annum. The proposal would be for an initial period of three years.