Date issued: 24 November 2020
Colchester’s parking strategy for the next five years was agreed by Colchester Borough Council at yesterday’s Cabinet meeting.
The agreed strategy, which focuses on off-street parking (car parks) only, includes a range of ways to deliver improved and smarter parking services in Colchester, which also supports the Council’s Climate Emergency Declaration.
The strategy includes different approaches to influence motorist’s behaviour to have a positive impact on air quality by reducing congestion and CO2 emissions. For example, the strategy highlights that if motorists in the town centre make one small change just one day a week, this could reduce traffic during peak times, improving air quality and reducing congestion and CO2 emissions.
Other innovative measures within the strategy, include changes to payment methods, offers and incentives to support steady footfall in the town centre throughout the day, as well as improved methods of customer communications.
The new strategy also supports the national Positive Parking Agenda (PPA), which Colchester Borough Council is a founding member of. The PPA aims to raise standards, improve communication, encourage innovation and promote transparency in the delivery of parking management. It also prioritises improving traffic congestion, safety, air quality, accessibility, technology, working together and fairness.
To view the strategy, please visit www.colchester.gov.uk/positive-parking-strategy
Councillor Mike Lilley, Colchester Borough Council’s Portfolio Holder for Communities, Wellbeing and Public Safety, said: “The council understands that the supply and provision of adequate, accessible and good quality car parking is important to residents, visitors and businesses.
“This new five-year strategy is also designed to have a positive impact on the environment, town centre and overall parking experience for customers.
“Covid-19 has also affected the way people travel and use their vehicles, and this new strategy allows us to respond and act flexibly to strike a balance between adequate parking provision, cost and support for businesses in these uncertain times.”
Page last reviewed: 24 November 2020