The cost of charges on council-owned car parks across the borough will be frozen for five years.

The leader of the council, Councillor Patrick Harley, said the pledge had been factored into the authority’s medium term five-year financial strategy.

The council voted to re-introduce car parking charges in August last year, with the move projected to raise more than £3.5 million over the next three years.

Councillor Patrick Harley, leader of the council, said: “We are aware that the decision to increase parking charges last year was not popular in some quarters, and recognise the concerns of traders and shoppers.

“It was never something we wanted to do. But given the unprecedented financial situation the council found itself in, needing to find more than £41 million of savings, we unfortunately had no choice.

“What we can do now is give a reassurance that there will be no increase in the charges for the next five years, unlike the hikes announced recently by some of our neighbouring councils.

“We recognise the concerns of traders and shoppers so this 5 year freeze will hopefully be well received especially in light of the increases in neighbouring councils.

“The income from the charges is in the first instance directly helping to protect the delivery of our frontline services for the most vulnerable in our borough.

“Moving forwards, as the situation starts to hopefully improve, we want to use the money to fund improvements to car parks, roads and infrastructure.”

Charges apply from 7am to 7pm, starting from £1.20 to £1.80 for an hour depending on the car park. Parking is free from 7pm to 7am. To find out more, including a full list of charges, visit dudley.gov.uk.