Colchester free parking areas could become pay and display

The North Essex Parking Partnership (NEPP) is looking at implementing the new system across the city.

Three popular free spots in Colchester which could become pay and display are parking in Middleborough, Military Road and St John’s Green.

Change - parking in Middleborough could become pay and display (Image: Google)

The former are both 30-minute free parking, with the latter allowing up to two hours free parking between certain times on Monday to Saturday.

Brook Street in Dedham, which is also two hours free parking, is also being eyed up for the change.

The new pay and display system would be over the same period.

Site - parking in Brook Street, Dedham (Image: Google)

Other roads touted for change in the city are permit-only parking in Clarendon Way and Oxford Road.

Documents say the new system is “to manage traffic and encourage appropriate use of off-street car parks for stays” and to “reduce the burden” on traffic officers needing to return to check how long cars have been parked.

It is estimated a total of between £140,000 and £190,000 will be made overall, with similar plans outlined for roads in Braintree, Witham, Halstead, Harlow and Epping Forest.

City centre councillor Steph Nissen was disappointed to hear of the idea.

Frustrated - Colchester councillor Steph Nissen (Image: Newsquest)

She said: “We’ve got plenty of paid parking spaces in the city and there are people who have real financial difficulty

“I understand the need for increasing revenue, but I would want to understand who has made the decision, what consultation and impact assessment has taken place, and whether they realise the impact it could have.

“I also wonder if they have considered accessibility.

“It doesn’t feel right, it is another tax on residents.”

However, Sam McLean, councillor for New Town and Christ Church, where some of the new systems could be implemented, said he was for the plans.

Supportive - councillor Sam McLean (Image: Newsquest)

"My primary concern is the residents I represent, and I think it should make it easier for locals to find a parking spot.

"In St John's Green and around the inner residential areas it is often exploited by people looking for free parking to the detriment if residents who want to park near their homes but can't."

"Aim is not to generate income but to manage parking and improve traffic flow"

A spokesman for the North Essex Parking Partnership said: “These sites have been proposed for consideration by the Joint Committee as part of a policy-driven initiative to improve traffic management and parking turnover in areas with high demand.

“The reports outlining the proposed Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs) detail the reasoning behind each site selection.

“Paid parking has proven to be an effective tool for managing traffic flow and ensuring parking availability in busy areas.

“By deterring long-term parking and encouraging turnover, paid parking schemes can help keep roads clear and traffic flowing smoothly.

“It's important to note that the primary aim of civil parking enforcement is not to generate income but to manage parking and improve traffic flow.

“While revenue from paid parking may help cover the increasing costs of patrol and enforcement, any surplus is reinvested back into essential traffic management initiatives.

Vehicle - a North Essex Parking Partnership car (Image: Public)

“Following the Joint Committee's decision, any approved TRO schemes will undergo a formal public advertising period.

“This stage allows residents and stakeholders to provide feedback and raise any concerns.

“All comments received will be carefully considered before the finalisation and implementation of any scheme.

“We understand the importance of keeping the public informed throughout this process.

“We encourage everyone to review the detailed reports outlining the proposed TROs and to participate in the upcoming public consultation period.

“Feedback is invaluable in helping us make informed decisions that benefit the entire community.”