Babergh parking charge plan given final nod of approval

Plans to introduce tariffs in Sudbury and Hadleigh, where motorists currently get three hours without charge, and Lavenham, where it is free all day, were drawn up after the council announced it could no longer subsidise parking as it faces a £6.7million budget gap.

The proposal for the introduction of a £1 charge for short stay parking for the first hour or £1 for two hours in long stay parking, as well as a reduction in the cost of all day parking in Sudbury and Hadleigh from £3 to £2.50, were given the green light by the council cabinet on April 8. 

However, this decision was criticised and a call-in request was submitted which saw it go before the overview and scrutiny committee for further debate on April 22.

During the meeting, councillor Simon Dowling, for Hadleigh North, called for a "full, fair and balanced" reconsideration of an option to allow one hour free in all Babergh car parks. 

But a report before today's cabinet meeting recommended the option for one-hour free parking was not "unaffordable" and could not be implemented.

It claimed an hour of free parking would drain council reserves by £644,000 over three years.

It also recommended freezing the cost of a season ticket at £250 and reducing the cost of all-day parking from £3 to £2.50.

During the meeting councillors discussed and debated the plan, with some calling for the one-hour free parking to be further considered. 

Cllr Jessie Carter, who represents Sudbury North West and is cabinet member for housing, said she noted the outcry from residents and those who came to the district who did not want to lose free parking and wanted at least one hour to remain free. 

Cllr Jessie Carter (Image: BDC)

Meanwhile, cllr Kathryn Grandon, for Hadleigh South, said: "I don't feel that the economic impact on our high streets and our businesses in general has been considered." 

However, cllr John Ward, for Brett Vale and cabinet member for finance, assets and investments, said the charges were "not unreasonable" and compared well to other districts, adding there was bound to be a "clamour" over a proposal of this sort. 

Cllr John Ward (Image: BDC)

He argued charges would have “little or no impact” on the economic viability of the town centres and said the wide range of independent stores and attractions should be what brings people in.

Cllr Alastair McCraw, for Brantham and cabinet member for performance and resilience, said the council had a responsibility to balance the budget and that the charges were "long overdue". 

Cllr Alastair McCraw (Image: BDC)

Cllr Sallie Davies, who represents East Bergholt and is cabinet member for heritage, planning and infrastructure, said: "I don't think we have any choice but to impose these charges to keep our finances and indeed our whole council in a stable position." 

Cllr Carter urged the cabinet to monitor the impact of the introduction and consider looking at it again in the future if it does not work.

The debate went to a vote and the council voted in favour of the recommendations. 

There are no plans to introduce charges for parking on Sundays or Bank Holidays, and Blue Badge holders will continue to be allowed to park for free for up to three hours in all council car parks.

There will be refund arrangements for users of the council’s leisure centres at Sudbury and Hadleigh and customers to Roys in Sudbury, and officers are exploring options for users of medical centres, mobile screening facilities and car parks used for school runs.