Ipswich Borough Council set to increase on-street parking permit price for larger vehicles

Larger vehicles may soon have to pay more to park in the streets of Ipswich.

Next Tuesday, the borough council’s executive committee will review the fees charged for on-street parking.

This has been spurred by the increase in the number of cars on the road, with availability of parking becoming a major concern for residents.

If approved, a premium rate would be added for vehicles more than 3.92 metres in length across the borough’s five street parking zones, while vehicles over 6 metres would be ineligible for permits.

Prices are already set to gradually increase from £60 to £70 for residents over the next five years following an agreement made by the executive in August last year.

Under the plans, residents with vehicles between 3.92 and 4.45 metres in length would pay £78 per year, while vehicles between 4.45 and six metres would be £98.

Traders would have to pay £38 or £48, respectively, up from £30 for a weekly permit while business permits would cost £400 or £500, up from £320.

However, traders would be able to pay for a large permit with vehicles longer than 6 metres.

This same rule applies to residents looking to apply for permits for traders.

The new rules would likely come into effect on June 1.

A spokesperson for Ipswich Borough Council said Blue Badge holders would continue to be exempt from charges.

Those looking to park in zone two – which covers the area surrounding Anglesea Road, including Fonnereau Road and Henley Road – will not be able to buy second permits due to limited space.

Cllr Jane Riley, the borough council’s portfolio holder for culture and customers, said the scheme stood to ensure fairer use of on-street parking.

It is also hoped it would encourage residents to seek different modes of transport.

A report submitted to the executive said the proposals could generate complaints from residents, while also potentially affecting those on lower incomes.

It also means that a wide variety of vehicles would be considered too large for the scheme, the documents added.

Cllr Riley said: "Due to the limited space within our residential parking zones and the increasing size of vehicles on the roads, the council is proposing the introduction of a variable charging system for medium and large vehicles.”

Ipswich Borough Council has handled on-street parking on behalf of Suffolk County Council since 1983.