NEW £80 residents' parking permits will be introduced in North East Lincolnshire at the end of next month.
The new price will take effect from June 28, with the existing £15-a-year permits expiring on July 1.
Under the new scheme, which was approved by the council's Cabinet yesterday, blue badge holders will receive their permits for free, and there will be a 45 per cent discount for people eligible for housing benefit and a council tax reduction.
The new permits will be electronic, and residents will be able to pay in monthly, quarterly, or six-monthly instalments.
These concessions were proposed in the wake of an outcry from existing permit holders, who described the 433 per cent increase in the cost of a permit as "extortionate".
Some councillors called for a phased increase, initially to £40, to lessen the burden on residents, but the council said it needed to charge £80 to cover the cost of issuing and enforcing the permits.
None of the residents'-only parking schemes previously paying £15 will continue beyond June, as not enough residents wanted to pay the new charge.
However, residents in College Street, Cleethorpes, which previously had unrestricted parking, have signed up for the new permits.
The council will consider applications for permit schemes in areas where 51 per cent of residents wish to sign up – a reduction on the 80 per cent previously required.
Councillor Peter Wheatley, portfolio holder for regeneration and environment, said: "The scheme will be beneficial to certain areas in the borough and £1.54 a week to be able to park close to your home is very good value for money.
"We have introduced the concession which shows we are a sympathetic council."
