Plans to introduce parking charges at popular park in Northampton labelled ‘absolutely outrageous’ – here’s how you can object

The Reform-led West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) is proposing changes to sites in Northampton, Daventry and Towcester, covering town centre car parks, multi-storeys and country parks.

Proposed charges for the Racecourse car park, are: £1 for up to 1 hour, £2 for up to 2 hours, £3 for up to 3 hours, and £4 for up to 4 hours, with £5 per hour thereafter. An evening rate of £2 (6pm–midnight) would allow parking until 10am the next day if paid before midnight. Motorcycles would remain free all day.

In 2023, the previous Conservative administration proposed charging for parking at the Racecourse, only to reverse the decision after public backlash. At the time, people made it clear that they saw it as nothing more than a “tax on parks” and strongly opposed paying to use one of the town's most important public spaces.

WNC says the plans were originally outlined in December 2024 and were then included in the 2025/26 budget. The spokesperson said: “It is unchanged in the budget for 2026/27, so there is no new in-principle decision on this matter.”

Reacting, Labour councillor for the area Zoe Smith said: “The charges for the Racecourse are absolutely outrageous, especially for families going to community sports days in the park or who just want to have a picnic and enjoy the open space. Cllr Bob Purser and I are also very concerned, as are residents who have contacted us, that it is likely to increase parking pressure on the surrounding roads, which are already heavily congested and beyond capacity.”

The Labour Group leader, Councillor Sally Keeble, said: “These are punitive charges, especially in Northampton where they will impact efforts to encourage businesses in the town centre.

“For the urban parks – Hunsbury Hill, Bedford Road and especially the Racecourse – they will penalise families going out to enjoy themselves at the weekend. They also run completely counter to public policy to encourage exercise and good health. For people who are blue badge holders, the charges do not take account of the extra time they may need to spend while out and about.

“The stated aim of the order is to provide a consistent framework for charging. These proposals are just the opposite. They’re a mishmash of proposals with some of the most swingeing imposed on those least able to pay. Some of the hourly rates are higher than those found in the City of London, which is ridiculous.”

In response, a WNC spokesman said: “Following the original public consultation, the council decided to proceed with the new regulations and charges for the Racecourse car park. This was reported in the Northampton Chronicle & Echo on December 5, 2024 and was reflected in the council’s budget for 2025/26. It is unchanged in the budget for 2026/27, so there is no new in-principle decision on this matter.

“It is important to remember that the Racecourse car park is provided for the users of the Racecourse as a public park and attraction. The purpose of the proposed new rules is to ensure the public can use it for its intended purpose.

“However, the council is currently consulting on a traffic regulation order (TRO) to formally apply these proposals and will carefully consider representations made in response to it. This may result in changes to the proposals consulted upon.”

The consultation opened on April 23 and the public has until May 14 to comment, object or make representations on the plans. To do this, members of the public should email [email protected] by May 14.