With the suggestion that Suffolk Coastal is planning to introduce charges at what are now free car parks in April 2019, they have decided to consult with residents on the proposals.
Civil Parking Enforcement is necessary because cut back to the police force mean that councils have got to take over the enforcement of parking restrictions. The aim of this consultation is to gain an understanding of local issues and possible solutions and incorporate them into Local Parking Plans so changes can be implemented in April 2018 before a freeze is imposed in readiness for CPE.
There will be a second round of consultation once these initial ideas have been considered when we shall present our proposals for any changes.
Cllr Carol Poulter, cabinet member for the Green Environment, with responsibility for car parks, said: “Parking is one of the biggest bugbears among many of our communities, but by introducing tailored CPE plans, we hope to tackle the problems affecting areas most.
“We’ve already heard from some Town and Parish Councils with their initial ideas so now we’re asking the public to put forward their views on current problems and consider possible solutions for off-street and on-street parking throughout the district.”
We are particularly interested in hearing views on the following:
How car parking can better support the economy of town centres and businesses
How car parking can better support tourism
How CPE can address other local parking issues – and where there are particular problems related to poor parking
To have your say, please email: carparking2017@eastsuffolk.gov.uk or in writing to:
Car Parking Consultation c/o Operational Partnerships, Suffolk Coastal District Council, East Suffolk House, Station Road, Melton Suffolk IP12 1RT
If you would like to have a discussion about what we can and can’t do under CPE then please call Kerry Blair on 01502 523007
Responses should ideally reach us by Friday 13 October 2017 but all responses received by the end of October will be considered.
For more information, visit: www.eastsuffolk.gov.uk/visitors/parking/suffolk-coastal-car-parking-consultation
As a matter of principle, SCDC should not be taking over a currently Police function without a commensurate transfer of funding; unless residents receive a reduction in the Police precept (not likely), they’ll effectively be paying twice! Moreover, beware SCDC acquiring wider enforcement powers at all; unlike in the case of tickets issued by Police, SCDC will keep the proceeds and the experience of other places, eg London boroughs, where this has happened is that councils soon see these powers simply as a money-maker. Not only, as they admit, will car park charges increase but it won’t be long before more on-street restrictions – yellow lines, parking meters, residents permits and cameras begin to appear – all adding to the creeping urbanisation of our town.
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