Long stay car parking charges coming to Potton playing fields site

The changes are expected to take place in the next few months. And while parking for up to two hours remains free, charges will be applied for vehicles parked for longer periods.

The car park pay method is expected to be via an app with a phone number available for those who can't access the app. CCTV cameras will also be in place to monitor usage.

Councillor Adam Zerny said: “With parking in the Market Square itself at a premium, the town council has approved changes which – while still ensuring parking is free for two hours – should prevent vehicles being left in the car park for long periods.

“It's often been difficult to find a parking spot at Potton's Henry Smith Playing Fields (HSPF) car park. And while most of us who live in the town may walk down to the square this is not practical for people visiting the surgery from the surrounding villages.

"It's also not easy for those who will be walking back home with heavy shopping bags, or who live in some of the newer developments in the town which can be almost a mile away from the shops.”

While some residents have welcomed the changes to deter motorists who abuse free parking, others have voiced concerns over the use of apps, with some calling for a full consultation before changes are made.

And some business owners are worried staff will be penalised by having to pay up to £40 a week to park, and fear people will park in residential roads to avoid charges.

One concerned resident stated: “As someone who doesn’t live in Potton but frequently visits (including to the GP and Post Office), I find this car park is usually full, as is Market Square, so I do think something needs to be done. I do wonder whether a four-hour free period would be more agreeable, whilst still achieving the same aim of making spaces available for short-term parking.”

Another added: “As a business owner in the market square, the parking for my staff is getting harder and harder. If you introduce charges it will cost my staff £10 a day to park. The argument for this is supposedly to bring more cars, which will equal more business for the shops, but no thought for the staff that are needed for the shops to operate.”

Mr Zerny said: “Parking around Market Square has been a problem for many years and with such limited space, there are no easy solutions. Credit to town councillors for trying to find a way forward. I know they'll be eager to hear from residents before anything is enacted.” He said the new parking system was also expected to bring more business to shops based on data provided to Potton Town Council by the parking company which also operates the main car park in Sandy.

He said: “In the weeks prior to the introduction of charges in Sandy, 700 vehicles used the car park per week and for an average of 4 hours 53 mins per vehicle. After the charges had been introduced, the turnover of vehicles increased to 1,600 per week and the average stay was reduced to 97 minutes. “The argument used by the company was that more cars equals more business for the shops.

The new parking charges will be as follows:

First 2 hours free Up to 3 hours - £1 Up to 5 hours - £2.50 Up to 7 hours - £5 Up to 10 hours - £10 Up to 24 hours - £25.