Revised off-street parking charges launched in error

West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) would like to sincerely apologise to all residents for an error in charges at its car parks and is acting to address the issues.

On 1 April 2026, the Council introduced revised changes to off-street parking, including applying them to Blue Badge holders, before statutory public consultation – making a Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) – relating to the proposals had been carried out. 

Anyone with a Blue Badge who paid for parking at the Council’s car parks since 1 April will be entitled to a full refund. 

Similarly, motorists who paid the increased car parking fees at Council-owned, off-street car parks since 1 April 2026 will be entitled to a refund of the difference between the old and new charges.

Any Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) relating to these changes will also be refunded.

Where possible the Council will make reimbursements automatically. Where it cannot do this, it will make it as easy as possible for people to claim reimbursement. 

The affected car parks and arrangements are:

Prices raised, in Northampton car parks:

• Albion Place
• Campbell Square
• Midsummer Meadow
• The Ridings
• St John’s Multi-Storey
• Upper Mounts
• Wellington Street

Removal of free parking on Saturdays, Sundays, and bank holidays.

Brixworth Country Park, removal of free Saturday mornings.

Before any revised charges are brought back, the Council is required by law to carry out a formal public consultation. This includes a minimum 21‑day period during which people can raise objections or comments.

Notices have been published in the local press and displayed at the affected car parks so that everyone is aware of the proposals. Once the consultation closes, we will consider any responses and publicise any changes we decide to introduce.

Stuart Timmiss, Executive Director of Place, Economy and the Environment, said: “We apologise unreservedly to anyone that has been affected by this error.

“We know this falls far short of the standards our residents expect from council officers, and how we should be delivering services and I would like to assure them that we are taking swift action to put this right.

“Blue Badge holders and other drivers who paid the incorrect charges at our car parks since 1 April this year will be reimbursed the difference, and Penalty Charge Notices relating to these errors will also be cancelled and refunded.”

Further information on how to claim refunds will be available shortly on the WNC website and residents are also urged to keep an eye out for updates on the Council’s social media channels.

This error did not affect on-street parking. These charges were implemented correctly and remain in place.