Colchester Gazette readers on plans to axe free parking

It was recently revealed that the North Essex Parking Partnership will be enacting its plans for a new parking system on November 18.

The system includes adding pay and display parking on several roads in Colchester.

Motorists can currently park in roads such as Middleborough, Oxford Road, Clarendon Way and St John’s Green for free but this is set to change.

The plans were unveiled by the NEPP in January this year.

Parking - Middleborough (Image: Google Maps) They were designed 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.

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

Now, Gazette readers have shared their views about the planned changes on Facebook.

Mary Adams said: “Ludicrous - talk about repelling shoppers and visitors.

“They have no idea, I can get most of my needs now in Clacton so go there and get free parking.”

Area - Oxford Road (Image: Google Maps) Diane Harrison-Bell said: “Charging that much and claiming it’s to help traffic is a joke.

“Will the money be put back into the roads?.”

Paul Nutter said: “Is this the plan to make Colchester a ghost town?"

Arnold Karl said: “More freedom taken away and profit made to line their pockets.

“I doubt it will go towards more residence parking permits or the potholes.”

Alexa Keatley said: “Removing free parking feels like another step by our local government to squeeze every last penny from hard-working people.

Parking - Clarendon Way (Image: Google Maps) “Bearing in mind that it subject to a fine if you happen to stay a few minutes longer than agreed, I imagine that it means a more efficient way of collecting revenue.

"The impact of a restricted and poor transport system contributes to a failing lacklustre city.”

Castle ward Green councillor Richard Kirkby-Taylor has shared his views after hearing the strong reaction from readers.

Councillor - Councillor Richard Kirkby-Taylor on the right next to Green Party leader, Adrian Ramsay (Image: Newsquest)

“It is a particularly sticky subject," he said.

"This is particularly difficult because decisions are being taken by and influenced by a higher level of discussion than the city is involved in.

“We are given consultation, but it is not us taking the decision.

“I think this is something which has strengthened the argument for giving Colchester back control of our roads, and giving Colchester control, at the very least, of the areas that NEPP is responsible for.

“It is very complex. This need to scrape pennies together is a continuing legacy of austerity that the Labour Government looks like it is set to continue.”

The North Essex Parking Partnership said the proposed schemes were widely advertised, and all feedback was reviewed, leading to adjustments where appropriate.

It said the plans were to "improve traffic flow and parking availability".