Free parking trial scheme

As part of a range of changes across the district, the trial will commence in the Autumn, subject to formal consultation on the revised fees and charges which will be undertaken through the statutory Road Traffic Order process. 

The scheme would be be for one year in the first instance and information collated from these car parks will be closely analysed to determine the success of the scheme and whether the initiative should be rolled out permanently. Other changes to car park charges include the introduction of a reduced-price weekend permit, again, to seek an increase in income for local businesses.

Following the decision, taken at a meeting of Waveney's Cabinet, Cllr Stephen Ardley, Portfolio Holder for Operational Partnerships said: "There is always a careful balancing act between keeping costs down for those who use our car parks and the level of revenue required to maintain them to acceptable standards. 

"However we feel that it is vital, as part of a businesslike approach to encouraging growth and the local economy that we do as much as can to get shoppers in to our towns. We have a forward budget of £440,000 for a rolling programme for car park maintenance over the next four years and this trial scheme will not impact on that figure."

In accordance with the Road Traffic Act 1984, any revised proposals for car parks fees and charges need to be consulted upon via the statutory Traffic Road Order process.  This can take 21 days, with a further 8 days for any objections to be considered.  If no material responses are received, the changes can be implemented with 6-8 weeks (including the installation of relevant signage etc).