Colchester free parking axe plans moving to next stage

The North Essex Parking Partnership (NEPP) is looking to implement a new parking system across the city which could see three parking spots become Pay and Display.

Motorists can currently park in bays in Middleborough, Military Road and St John’s Green without having to put their hands in their pockets, but that could all change if plans are approved. 

Other roads touted for change in the city also include permit-only parking spots in Clarendon Way and Oxford Road which, too, could become Pay and Display.

Stopped - a car making use of the free parking in Middleborough (Image: Google)

It is estimated between £140,000 and £190,000 will be made overall if the changes come into force, with similar plans outlined for roads in Braintree, Witham, Halstead, Harlow and Epping Forest.

Since the proposals came to light, Colchester residents have expressed their concerns.

“Soon we will have to pay a parking fee to park at home,” joked one motorist, while another said it was "another kick in the teeth for residents".

Others dubbed the scheme a “rip off”.

Colchester councillor Steph Nissen agrees, previously telling the Gazette the scheme “doesn’t feel right”.

“It is another tax on residents,” she added.

Frustrated - city centre councillor Steph Nissen was not a fan of the idea (Image: Newsquest)

The plans have now taken somewhat of a step forward after being discussed at the latest NEPP meeting.

Speaking during the meeting, Colchester councillor Martin Goss stressed the importance of getting residents’ views on the plans and asked if any scheme received “substantial” objections for them to be pulled completely.

He added: “If there are enough objections, we have a responsibility to share it on social media and make sure it’s out there.

“Our social media teams have a responsibility for each council to push it out and tell people where they can respond.

“I am not necessarily comfortable with some of the schemes in here but am at least comfortable there is a way of stopping them if we have to.”

A spokesman for the NEPP said: "It's important to note 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."

The scheme was approved by the Joint Committee and was voted through subject to additional communications taking place with local residents, businesses and Essex County Council ahead of the formal consultation exercise.