East Suffolk councillors challenge the council’s decision to double parking fees, citing concerns for local visitors and businesses.
East Suffolk: Councillors Mark Jepson and Alan Green are raising concerns. They oppose the council’s decision to double parking fees. The cost for a two-hour stay will jump from £4 to £10. This is a big increase from the off-season rate of £5.
Labour councillor Alan Green thinks the fee hike is unreasonable. He believes it won’t help attract visitors. East Suffolk is a coastal town, and they want to encourage tourism. New beach huts and a cultural center are being built, so higher fees seem counterproductive.
Earlier this month, it was reported that off-season charges would also rise. From November to February, the two-hour rate will go from £1.50 to £2. Four-hour parking will increase from £3 to £3.50. Summer rates will apply from March to October.
The council plans to use the extra revenue to invest £1 million in car parks. This investment aims to improve facilities for residents and visitors. Councillor Tim Wilson says fees haven’t increased in four years, leading to a lack of investment.
He mentions that the new fees will help fund contactless payment terminals, electric vehicle chargers, and cycle racks. Wilson emphasizes that parking revenue is crucial for maintaining and improving car parks.
He also notes that the new charges will still be cheaper than similar coastal areas in Norfolk and Essex. The goal is to balance parking demand with well-maintained facilities, not to deter visitors.
