Proposed Introduction of Parking Charges in Breckland

Jo Blackman

Added at 10:36 on 09 July 2024

Sent on behalf of Cllr Paul Hewett, Executive Member for Property, Projects & Procurement

Breckland Council is currently reviewing its approach to public car park funding and is proposing the introduction of parking charges, a matter that will be considered by our Cabinet on 15 July 2024.  We know how important our market town car parks are to your residents, and I want to reassure you that this proposal is focused on ensuring the sustainability of those facilities by adopting a fairer funding model.  We know that often your residents find it difficult to find an available parking space when they visit their nearest market town.  If this proposal is adopted by our Cabinet, we expect the availability of spaces to increase through ‘churn’.

The Council currently owns and maintains 30 car parks across our district.  Currently, the substantial costs associated with the upkeep and operation of these facilities have been absorbed within our existing budgets. This arrangement means that all residents, even those who do not utilise the car parks, are paying for their maintenance.

Given the increasing budgetary pressures faced across local government, and in line with similar measures taken by other councils across the country, we commissioned an independent report to explore more sustainable and equitable management options for our car parks. The study highlighted that the current system is neither cost-effective nor fair, with annual costs amounting to approximately £450,000.  It recommends that the most sustainable method of funding car parks going forward is that users pay for their upkeep and operation through a modest parking charge.

The proposal would see charges similar to, or more affordable than, comparable market towns. Each market town will have one car park offering the first hour’s parking for free, with tariffs between 50p and £1 for the first chargeable hour across the district.  Implementing these charges would not only ensure that those who benefit directly from the car parks contribute to their upkeep but also promote a healthier turnover of parking spaces.  This, in turn, is expected to enhance the availability of parking and potentially boost footfall and trade for local businesses.

Should our Cabinet approve this proposal, we will initiate a public consultation process over the following months. This will provide an opportunity for residents, business owners, and stakeholders to offer feedback on the proposed changes.

I understand that introducing parking charges is a sensitive issue, particularly given the current economic challenges faced by many of our residents. However, we believe that this measure is the most equitable and financially prudent way to maintain and improve our parking facilities while safeguarding our capacity to invest in other essential community services. I would also like to reassure you that these changes, should our Cabinet vote to adopt the proposal, will not come into effect until Autumn 2025.

We value the cooperation of your parish council in this process.  If you would like any further information on the proposed changes, please visit - www.breckland.gov.uk/car-parks/policychange

Thank you for your consideration of this important matter.

Yours sincerely,

Cllr Paul Hewett

Executive Member for Property, Projects & Procurement