A Local MP has raised concerns over council plans to introduce parking charges in Sudbury, Hadleigh, and Lavenham, which would end the long-standing free measures.
Babergh District Council, which is currently facing a £6.7million budget gap, warned it can no longer subsidise free parking and approved the new tariffs in August.
Currently, motorists enjoy three hours of free parking in Sudbury and Hadleigh, while Lavenham offers all-day free parking.
But James Cartlidge, Conservative MP for South Suffolk expressed worry about the potential impact on local businesses.
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Parking charges will start by the end of the year
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He said: “I am concerned about the impact of parking charges on local businesses. I am also concerned that just like the Winter Fuel Allowance, this decision has been made when I believe the measures were not included in any of the parties’ manifestos and therefore introduced by the council without a mandate.”
He also raised issues with the decision-making process, suggesting a lack of mandate for the council’s action.
The new parking charges will introduce a £1 fee for the first hour in short-stay car parks, or £1 for two hours in long stay areas.
Council leader Deborah Saw, said at the time: “We do not believe High Street success is defined by parking charges. It is decided by many factors, including what they offer residents and visitors – and we believe our towns offer a huge amount and are worth a modest parking fee to visit.”
Additionally, Blue Badge holders will continue to enjoy up to three hours of free parking in all car parks.
The changes mark a significant shift from the current system, where drivers in Sudbury and Hadleigh benefit from three hours of free parking, and Lavenham offers unrestricted free parking throughout the day.
The introduction of parking charges in areas previously offering free parking has sparked debate about the balance between financial necessity and supporting local economies.
In response to the MP’s concerns, a Babergh District Council spokesperson defended the decision.
The spokesperson explained: “Like many councils across the country, we face financial challenges – we have been open and honest about this. As a result, we can no longer afford to subsidise free parking.
“Every option has been considered, every recommendation actioned as requested by Cabinet, Council and Overview and Scrutiny Committee and every step published for transparency.
“There is nothing to now be gained by reopening public debate over a difficult, but democratically made decision.”
The council said it maintains that the decision was made democratically, despite the difficulties involved.
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Blue badge holders can park for up to three hours of free parking in all car parks
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Deputy council leader John Ward stated: “We’ve sought extensive feedback, thoroughly considered every option, and acted on every recommendation made in the last six months – including further exploring the option of one-hour free parking.
“We have fully debated and scrutinised this issue. However, after this huge amount of work, the recommendation to cabinet remains that we introduce modest, short-term charges – and do not implement one-hour free parking, as we cannot afford to.”
New charges at car parks are expected to be introduced before the end of the year.
