Parking Charges in Eton

Thank you for the vehemence which you have reacted to Eton’s car parking charges. ECA have sent a letter to our RBWM Councillors, click here to read the letter.

Eton Town Council have researched the data to show that Eton’s charges have increased way more than elsewhere.

Background

In 2024 Eton Town Council (ETC) were concerned by the increasing cost of parking in Eton and the impact this has had on both local people of Eton and Eton Wick and the town's economy.

Since April 2024, ETC has consistently raised these concerns with the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead (RBWM) and our Borough Councillors.

In May 2024 Eton Town Council formally added the matter to its agenda and contacted RBWM seeking clarification and reconsideration of the proposed increases in parking for Eton. RBWM advised that the changes to car parking fees and charges were being introduced as part of measures to address the Borough's financial challenges. The Cabinet's position was that income generation from parking was necessary to help support council finances, this on official minutes from the Cabinet Meeting in May 2024.

At the same time, some Maidenhead car parks benefited from free weekend parking and frozen tariffs. RBWM also highlighted the availability of discounts through the Advantage Card scheme. Councillor Wilson noted our concerns, although told us no change would be made, in fact the 2025 budget, Eton saw the hours for parking increase with no consideration or intervention from our Borough Councillors, in fact Councillor Wilson was on the Finance Team that were proposing the changes to Cabinet. This was noted again with communication to RBWM.

Concerns Raised by Eton Town Council

ETC challenged the fairness of the arrangements and highlighted concerns in 24 & 25:

• Eton & Eton Wick residents were facing some of the highest parking charges in the Borough despite having limited parking availability within the town.

• The Advantage Card scheme did not benefit all residents equally and could discriminate against those unable to access or utilise the scheme. Especially the senior residence from Eton Wick

• Eton residents pay the same Borough Council Tax as residents elsewhere in RBWM and should therefore receive equal consideration in parking policy decisions.

  
  

ETC proposed that RBWM consider a resident parking concession system that would be inclusive to all.

Unfortunately, this proposal or a reduction in night time parking fees were dismissed and were not taken forward. Once again, the response received was that additional parking income was required to support the Borough's financial position, with Borough representatives stating that "the money to help the Borough has to come from somewhere."

Eton Town Council's Position

Eton Town Council continues to believe that:

1. Parking policy should support, not damage our community.

2. Residents across the Borough should be treated fairly and consistently.

3. Eton should not be disproportionately relied upon as a source of parking revenue.

4. Resident concession schemes should be explored where public transport alternatives are limited.

Whilst ETC has consistently advocated on behalf of residents and businesses, RBWM has maintained that increased parking revenue forms part of its wider strategy to address ongoing financial pressures. Unfortunately, despite representations from ETC and the concerns expressed by the community, the Borough has not amended its position.

Parking issues are only going to hinder our aims to rejuvenate the High Street. ETC would be pleased to work with the Eton Community Association and other community partners such as Eton Wick Village Association to press for a review of current charges for our community. 

For reference, the 2024 RBWM Car parking charges:

Car Park	Up to 1 Hour (£)	Up to 2 Hours (£)	Average Cost (£)
Trevelyan School Car Park - Windsor	0.6	1.2	0.90
Horton Road - Datchet	0.8	1.5	1.15
Vicus Way - Maidenhead	1.2	2.3	1.75
Boulters Lock - Maidenhead	1.4	2.2	1.80
The Avenue - Datchet	1.4	2.3	1.85
Hines Meadow - Maidenhead	1.4	2.9	2.15
Home Park - Windsor	1.5	3.1	2.30
Windsor Leisure Centre - Windsor	1.8	2.8	2.30
Braywick Sports and Leisure - Maidenhead	1.6	3.3	2.45
East Berks College - Windsor	2.1	3.0	2.55
Grove Road - Maidenhead	2.1	4.1	3.10
West Street - Maidenhead	2.1	4.1	3.10
King Edward VII - Windsor	2.2	4.1	3.15
Romney Lock - Windsor	2.2	4.1	3.15
Eton Court - Eton	2.2	4.4	3.30
Meadow Lane - Eton	2.2	4.4	3.30
Alexandra Gardens - Windsor	2.3	4.6	3.45
Alma Road - Windsor	2.3	4.6	3.45
Windsor Dials - Windsor	2.3	4.6	3.45
Victoria Street - Windsor	2.6	4.4	3.50
Windsor Library - Windsor	3.3	6.7	5.00
River Street - Windsor	6.8	10.5	8.65