Petition Against Proposed Parking Charges

The North Essex Parking Partnership (NEPP) intend to convert current free parking spaces in Newland Street to paid ones, which Witham Town Council has taken action in actively opposing.

The Town Council has argued that because the use of these spaces will be no different, converting free spaces to charged will do nothing to reduce congestion, nor will it improve air quality. 

They have raised concerns that access to services will be adversely affected, as will be the economic vitality and vibrancy of the Town Centre and Newland Street. As well as this, that the electronic payment system will have an adverse impact on those who do not have electronic payment abilities. 

The Council has therefore opposed the NEPP’s proposed new charges, as they fail to meet the Partnership’s Policy framework. There has been no evidence shown, particularly with regard to the economic vitality and vibrancy of Witham’s Town Centre and Newland Street that any research has been undertaken to demonstrate that the net income increase in charges will not be adversely offset by the reduction in economic activity from the Town Centre and High Street traders.

As well as writing to the Braintree District Council Financial Scrutiny Panel querying their agreement with the North Essex Parking Partnership, having heard residents concerns the Town Council has launched a petition which can be signed online at: https://www.witham.gov.uk/parking-petition or in the Information Centre at the Town Hall before March 22nd 2024.

Councillor Phil Barlow, Leader of Witham Town Council said “Together with many of our residents the Council were horrified by this proposal.  Our response is to hold the Partnership to account and the petition is launched to enable our residents to reinforce our decision”.