Car parking charges will rise across Leicestershire parks later this year under new savings plans billed as "just the start" by officials.

Reform-led Leicestershire County Council is set to increase season ticket charges at county-run parks by £10 – a move that will also impact blue badge holders too.

New measures also include increasing the cost of getting married at registry offices including Stenson House in Coalville and Anstey Frith House in Glenfield by £10.

According to the plans, council bosses are also planning to introduce ANPR cameras at Beacon Hill and Market Bosworth Country Park at a cost of £300,000 in a bid to crack down on non-paying drivers as both parks move to a cashless system.

The council said that the plans would replace the current machines, which are at the end of their life, and save £14,500 through reduced maintenance and by going ticketless.

New parking charges are set to come into force from September 1 with wedding charges to be implemented on April 1, 2027.

The council said there was no current timeline for when the new ANPR cameras will be introduced.

Other parts of the plan include increasing the cost of meals at the staff restaurant at County Hall in Glenfield.

advertisement

The changes are part of the county council's efficiency review which is trying to plug a major £85m funding gap by 2030.

One section of the plan includes "increasing fees" and "adding new charges" as well as "working in a more commercial way".

The review has identified 13 areas of opportunity to save and make money, resulting in a projected saving of £27.2m over the next four years until 2030 with bosses aiming to save up to £60m.

Other areas include expanding social care teams, supporting the care market, intervening to prevent people reaching crisis point and creating more residential care places.

Reform chiefs approved the plans during a cabinet meeting on May 26, with council leader, Councillor Dan Harrison, saying the efficiency plan was "just the start" with plans to seek even more savings to help plug the funding gap.

He added: "We will keep going with the review to find more savings.

"This rolling programme is our plan for a better Leicestershire. This plan complements our local government reorganisation plan to ensure the new council will be financially secure and viable from day one".

Cllr Kevin Crook, deputy leader and cabinet member for culture and heritage, said: "Our country parks offer rich history, heritage trails and woodland habitats. These changes will see season tickets move in line with the cost of daily car park tickets, and other comparable parks, and outdated machines replaced with newer models, making it easier for visitors.

advertisement

"Our efficiency review is about gripping our budget and making every pound we spend work harder. It's a major project, leaving no stone unturned, and includes increasing fees where it makes sense to do so, with all money collected going back into running and improving our parks."