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Parking charge rises of 10p 'could raise £200,000'

Ben ParkerSuffolk
News imageBen Parker/BBC The outside of a multi-storey car park, a sign reads Crown Car Park. A yellow facade is on the outside walls of the building. Two barriers block two roads into the car park. Ben Parker/BBC
Ipswich Borough Council said the increase in car park charges could raise nearly £200,000

An increase in car parking charges in a town could raise nearly £200,000, a local authority said.

Ipswich Borough Council is due to discuss rises of 10p an hour at short and long stay car parks at its executive meeting on Tuesday.

Prices for season tickets in Ipswich would increase by £93 for Monday-to-Friday tickets and £99 for seven days.

The Labour-run council forecast the move would raise £194,000 and, if approved, it would come into force on 20 July.

News imageBen Parker/BBC An open-air car park is in the foreground with multiple cars parked in spaces. In the background is a multi-storey car park with a yellow grille-type facade.Ben Parker/BBC
Fees for parking are due to rise in all the car parks owned by Ipswich Borough Council

Council-owned car parks in Ipswich currently run an offer where people parking after 14:00 pay £2.70 for the rest of the day. It is proposed to keep a flat fee, but increase it to £2.80.

Short-stay car park fees would rise from £1.70 per hour to £1.80.

Long-stay car park fees would also rise by about 10p per hour, but they start at a slightly lower charge, such as Portman Road's first hour rising from £1.40 to £1.50.

There are plans to extend that offer to the weekends at the Crown car park on a trial basis. The council said this was to "boost Ipswich's afternoon and night-time economy, encouraging more people to enjoy weekend evenings out".

Plans have been submitted for a new multi-storey car park to be built on the current open air Portman Road car park.

The council said it hoped it would be open for use in 2028 and the new parking charges would apply there.

Conservative councillor Ian Fisher said: "Anyone with eyes can see that the town centre is struggling, with many independent businesses struggling to keep their heads above water.

"I have urged the council to set up a scheme where parking charges could be refunded if money is spent with a local independent business."

Jane Riley, Labour's portfolio holder for culture and customers, said: "We understand that any increase in parking charges should be carefully considered.

"These proposals reflect rising costs in delivering parking services, while still maintaining affordable options."

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