Motorists have been warned they could see parking prices in a popular seafront region rise by a shocking 256 per cent under new plans being considered.
Brighton and Hove City Council revealed proposals to increase its parking fees and charges for 2026/27 as part of its annual budget process, one year after freezing its prices.
While some parking prices across the city would stay the same and others would rise by three per cent in line with inflation, drivers using popular seafront spots face far steeper increases.
The biggest jump would be in an area described in council papers as “Seafront Summer (Bringing in East of Arch)” where hourly rates would soar from £1.60 to £5.70, a rise of 256 per cent.
Two hours would increase from £3.30 to £9.80, marking a 197 per cent rise, while four hours would go from £7 to £16.50.
A new six-hour charge of £20.70 would be introduced, while the 11-hour rate would more than double from £11.80 to £24.90.
The council also proposed a new single seafront tariff covering the stretch from Madeira Drive to the King Alfred Leisure Centre, which will be split into summer and winter rates.
At Madeira Drive, in a zone referred to as “Bringing in New Steine“, summer prices for one hour would go up from £3.30 to £5.70, marking a 72 per cent increase, while two hours would rise from £7.40 to £9.80.
The new proposals would increase parking prices across the busiest places in the city
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Meanwhile, a new six-hour tariff of £13 would be added at Black Rock car park, and the maximum 12-hour stay would climb from £12.10 to £18, representing a 48 per cent increase.
Council documents stated the changes at Black Rock were intended to bring charges into line with those at King Alfred car park, to a maximum of £18 an hour, up from £13.40 for 12 hours.
Winter rates at both King Alfred and Black Rock would go up by around five per cent. The annual season ticket at King Alfred would rise from £1,350.30 to £1,500, an 11 per cent increase.
Councillor Trevor Muten said: “It’s important we keep the cost of parking in the city simple and fair.
Under the new plans, some car parks could experience an increase of 256 per cent
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PA“We were able to freeze all parking charges in 25/26, and we’ve worked hard to ensure fees and charges remain reasonable for 26/27 while also recognising our budget challenges.”
The council noted that not all car parks would see increases, including several barrier-operated council car parks, such as London Road, The Lanes, Regency Square and Trafalgar Street.
However, evening and night-time parking at The Lanes would become more expensive. The 6pm to midnight charge would rise from £7.50 to £10, a 33 per cent increase. Weekend evening and overnight rates would jump from £8.50 to £12.
Councillor Muten added: “The vast majority of permit increases are in line with inflation, and I’m pleased we’ve frozen permit charges for paid and unpaid carers, supporting those who need it most.
The parking increase would align with inflation and impact many car parks along the coast
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PA“The new seafront tariff will simplify charges in the busiest area of the city, where we know demand is high, especially during the summer months.”
The council is also planning new early-bird and commuter deals to encourage the use of barrier car parks.
At London Road, drivers arriving between 6am and 9am could pay £10 for up to 10 hours.
A £15 commuter rate would allow an 18-hour stay for early arrivals, while a new evening special rate of £10 will be trialled for those arriving between 6pm and 10pm.