Manchester Named Third Most Expensive UK City for Central Parking

Manchester has been named one of the most expensive cities in the country for parking in the city centre.

Data from Bison Products put the average price for an hour of parking in central Manchester at £5.05, the third highest in the UK behind only Brighton and London. The figure was calculated from the cost of spending one hour in the ten closest car parks to the city centre, from a mix of council and private facilities.

People in the city centre shared a mix of views about the cost, with some saying it is too high and others saying it is pushing them towards public transport.

What are people saying?

Wendy Cook, 51, from Stretford, has a free parking space through work but said the cost of parking in Manchester generally is "definitely too much." She added: "I don't think there's enough public transport options yet to get people out of their cars. The trams are really busy. You never get a seat in the morning from around 7.30."

Estate agent Yvonne Cook, 45, said she and her colleagues have started using Ubers to get around because it works out cheaper than driving and parking. "You used to be able to park for a fiver a day but now it's more like £5 an hour," she said.

Couple Alison and Steve Bunker from Bury have started taking the tram into Manchester because of parking costs. Steve, 62, said: "I think there will be a huge shift to public transport and the bus and tram network is getting better."

But Alison, 61, raised concerns about accessibility. "The last time we came into town we brought someone who was 86 years old. For people who need to come in by car it's hideously expensive. There should be more provision for people who need to drive, and affordable too."

How much does it actually cost?

The council's zone 1 and 2 parking areas cover much of the city centre, with a maximum stay of two hours. It costs £4 for one hour or £7 for two hours. Council zones further out are cheaper and allow longer stays.

Private car parks vary. One central Manchester car park was found to be charging £4.50 for an hour, £9 for two hours, or £28 for the day.

The council said its average on-street bay costs £3 per hour and off-street parking averages £4.30, excluding private operators.

What has the council said?

A spokesperson said: "Charges are set as part of a wider transport strategy that seeks to balance the needs of residents, visitors, businesses and commuters, whilst supporting investment in the city's public transport network."

They added that parking remains free for Blue Badge holders and that the council is "keen to ensure that there are a range of options for people to travel into Manchester, whether that is by walking, cycling, public transport or via car."

What do local politicians say?

Councillor Sian Astley, leader of the Reform UK group on Manchester council, said a recent trip to the city centre cost her £33 for parking.

She said: "There's been a concerted effort to dissuade drivers. It is very much policy-driven to dissuade people from driving into the city."

She warned that not everyone has the luxury of a nearby tram stop or is physically able to use public transport, and said: "I do think it's too expensive in the cost-of-living crisis. It does affect retailers in the city."

She pointed to the Trafford Centre as a beneficiary. "It's why places like the Trafford Centre have been so popular, because you can just head out there in your car, park up, walk in, and you're not paying anything."