Ipswich Borough Council leaders back on-street permit charge hike for larger cars

Leaders have backed plans to charge extra for on-street parking permits depending on a car's size.

The plans were brought forward by Cllr Jane Riley, Ipswich's lead for culture and customers, and discussed during yesterday evening's meeting of executive members.

She said the changes were meant to address the limited number of on-street parking spaces and the increase of vehicles on the road.

Cllr Riley proposed hiking charges for on-street parking permits across the borough's five street parking zones, which were already set to gradually increase over the next four years, based on the car's length.

This would mean residents who owned a car considered medium-sized by the council, or between 3.92 and 4.45 metres, would pay £78 for the year instead of £62, a 25 per cent increase on the original £62 price tag.

Owners of larger cars, between 4.45 and 6 metres, would pay £98 for the year, over 50 per cent more than the original price — cars over 6 metres would not be allowed a permit.

Separate prices have been drawn up for trade, visitors, business, carers, and places of worship permits, but all with similar increases.

Blue badge holders would remain exempt.

Cllr Ian Fisher, the leader of opposition, criticised the authority's categories and said it was 'ridiculous' to consider some cars as medium-sized including, for instance, a Ford Fiesta.

Cllr Riley said although the council could tinker with the categories, it would be unlikely to result in any more support, instead opting to copy Norwich City Council's approach.

But Cllr Fisher said it was simply a 'callous attempt to raise more income' as the council estimated it would generate £32,841 in extra.

By law, the council is not able to deliberately make a surplus with on-street parking permits — should extra money be made, it would need to be reinvested.