Free parking spaces in Colchester to be axed in November

The North Essex Parking Partnership (NEPP) is implementing a new parking system which will see pay and display services added at several roads in Colchester.

Motorists are able to park in roads like Middleborough, Oxford Road, Clarendon Way and St John’s Green but since January this year, there has been discussion by the NEPP about making them pay-and-display.

Middleborough offers 30-minute free parking, and St John’s Green allowing up to two hours free parking between certain times on Monday to Saturday.

Sign - pay-and-display signage (Image: Newsquest) The plans were conceived to “manage traffic and encourage appropriate use of off streetcar 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 from the scheme, with similar plans outlined for roads in Braintree, Witham, Halstead, Harlow and Epping Forest.

A consultation also revealed how much parking would cost at the Colchester spots.

Middleborough, Oxford Road and St Johns Green will have a maximum stay of two hours between 8am to 6pm, from Monday to Sunday. 

With the new system, these spots will cost £2.30 for one hour's stay and £3.40 for two hours. 

Clarendon Way has the same opening times but no maximum stay.

Free - parking in St John's Green (Image: Google) The parking could cost £2.30 for one hour, £3.40 for two hours, £4.20 for three hours, £4.40 for four hours and £8.50 for over four hours. 

Now, the NEPP has confirmed paid parking will commence on November 18 for the four roads.

It has also made some compromises for the St John’s green and Oxford Road areas.

A spokesman for the North Essex Parking Partnership (NEPP) said: “We have revised our plans to introduce paid parking to some on-street locations in North Essex, to improve traffic flow and parking availability.

“The proposed schemes were widely advertised, and all feedback was reviewed, leading to adjustments where appropriate.  

“We understand the significance of Oxford Road and St John's Green for school drop-offs.

“Following feedback, paid parking will not apply before 9am or between 3-3.30pm on St Johns Green during weekdays, or before 9.30am and between 2.45–3.15pm on Oxford Road during weekdays. The new parking fees match those of nearby council car parks.”

NEPP has confirmed potential changes in Braintree, Witham, and Halstead are still being explored, with no formal proposals made yet.

Castle ward Councillor Mark Goacher thinks the revised plans for St John’s Green and Oxford Road are reasonable.

Mr Goacher said: “It sounds like they have gone for a fair compromise, in these sorts of situations, compromise inevitably happens, it looks like they listened to the feedback they received.

Castle ward Councillor - Mark Goacher (Image: Newsquest)

“What I would say, I would urge anyone who can find alternatives to get kids to school, to do so.

“You get lots of cars there, but it is not always possible.

“What we really need Is really effective local public transport to minimise car transport that way.

“I think that would reduce the levels of cars parking there at times.

“But it sounds like a fair compromise here, it sounds like dialogue has taken place, which is always a good thing.

“In general, I can understand the need to not have streets completely clogged up with parked cars, so I can understand why North Essex Parking Partnership has gone down this route.

“But this shows thy are listening, and willing to compromise at times.”

Further information about on-street paid-parking proposals in North Essex can be found on NEPP's website.