CONTROVERSIAL plans to overhaul parking charges across Wiltshire are set to go out to public consultation – with motorists facing potential price hikes and longer charging hours.

Wiltshire Council has confirmed it will launch a statutory consultation on April 9, giving residents less than a month to have their say on proposals that have already sparked backlash.

Among the most contentious changes are an average 20% rise in parking charges from 2026, followed by a further 5% increase in 2028.

The plans also include extending charging hours to 7am to 7pm, introducing Sunday charges in line with weekdays, and bringing back on-street Sunday parking charges in Salisbury.

Season tickets and permits would also increase in line with the new tariffs.

The council says the review is needed as part of wider transport and financial strategies, pointing out that parking charges have remained unchanged since 2022 despite rising costs.

However, the proposals are likely to prove unpopular with shoppers, commuters and businesses already feeling the pressure from the cost of living.

Council leader Cllr Ian Thorn acknowledged the sensitivity around the issue but insisted no final decision has been made.

He said: “While we recognise that any proposed tariff rises are not always popular, we have benchmarked these charges to ensure they remain competitive with other areas in the region, and we have not raised parking charges since 2022, so we believe that this is a fair and measured approach.

“However, it is important to note that this will be a consultation, and no decision has been made. I’d encourage as many people as possible to take part in the consultation when it opens next month.”

The council says the changes are based on detailed assessments of individual car parks to reflect different economic conditions across towns and cities.

Residents will be able to submit their views as part of the formal Traffic Regulation Order process, either online or in writing, before the consultation closes on May 5.

With strong opinions already emerging, the debate over parking costs looks set to be a major local issue in the weeks ahead.