PARK and ride and using public transport have long been ways suggested to help the environment and reduce congestion across the country.

But now Colchester has taken another step forward in the fight to save our planet.

The town has been selected as one of just ten places in the UK to take part in a Park Active pilot scheme.

Created by the British Parking Association it aims to support the environment and encourage people to make more eco-friendly transport choices.

Park Active enables motorists to drive to and leave their vehicle at a car park location outside of a town centre and complete the remainder of their journey on foot or by bicycle.

In Colchester, motorists will pay a discounted parking rate for doing so.

The new scheme aims to help reduce congestion and improve air quality.

It is hoped it will also encourage people to take up cycling and walking; free up parking for short stay shoppers and blue badge holders, and encourage people to use outer town centre car parks which are cheaper.

Colchester is just one of ten UK locations set to pilot the scheme, which is supported by the Department for Transport.

The town has been selected as one of just ten places in the UK to take part in a Park Active pilot scheme

The town has been selected as one of just ten places in the UK to take part in a Park Active pilot scheme

The Park Active car park locations in Colchester include Butt Road, Napier Road North, and Napier Road South car parks.

The pilot will run for an initial six-month period and will be kept under review during that time.

Motorists will need to have signed up to the contactless parking payment system, MiPermit and the free Park Active permit scheme within it.

Once signed up, users can park at any of the three pilot locations in Colchester and receive a discounted parking fee of just 50p per hour, for up to 4 hours, Monday to Saturday 6am to 6pm when they complete the remainder of their journey is on foot or by bike.

Richard Walker, the North Essex Parking Partnership’s Group Manager, said: “The Park Active pilot is a really exciting scheme for Colchester and a first for the UK.

“Not only does the scheme support Colchester Borough Council’s climate emergency declaration by reducing traffic congestion and improving air quality, but it also encourages healthier active travel, such as walking and cycling and rewards those that use the scheme, with reduced parking costs.

“We know interest and uptake of walking and cycling has increased over the past year and for those who are keen to keep that up as restrictions ease, this scheme is a great way to do that.”

Kelvin Reynolds, British Parking Association’s Director of Corporate and Public Affairs, said: “We are delighted that Colchester Council is leading the way in making Park Active a reality.

"Effective parking management is at the heart of enabling many active travel sites. Park Active really is worth having a look at, it is a fantastic idea and should be a vital part of everyone’s future transport plans.

“The BPA wants to mobilise the entire parking community behind Park Active to help encourage more people to park, walk, and cycle, building healthier and more sustainable communities for all.”

The Park Active pilot scheme is being managed and operated by the North Essex Parking Partnership who manage Colchester Council’s off-street parking.

The Colchester Park and Ride site, managed by Essex County Council also offers a Park and Pedal service which supports the principles of the Park Active scheme.

For further information and to sign-up to Colchester’s Park Active pilot scheme, visit www.colchester.gov.uk/parkactive.