Parking costs set to increase in Colchester
21 car parks may be affected
Parking charges across an Essex city are set to rise, sparking anger from residents and shoppers.
Colchester City Council is planning to increase the costs “in line with other towns and cities across the region” across its car parks. The new costs will be for the 21 car parks across Colchester and the surrounding towns.
Britannia Car Park, Colchester will see a year season tickets rise £200 from £1,800 to £2,000, parking Monday to Saturday for up to eight hours increase from £8.80 £9.80.
There are also other hikes for other tickets at the car park. Priory Street Car Park in the city, will also see increases to parking costs.
The price of school year annual parent permits for the mornings and afternoons, will rise from £47 to £52. Other tickets for the car park will also see increases. ‘Angry’ residents say that the price hikes will stop people from visiting.
Mary Knight, 45, from Colchester, said: “I think it will stop people coming into the city centre and also harm businesses too. The cost of living is getting worse all the time, with everything going up and up.
“Many people, who will rely on going into the city centre, just can’t afford any more prices going up. It should not be going ahead at all. I think everyone will be angry about this.”
It comes as the council agreed plans to cut 80 spaces at Britannia Car Park, as part of a £7.6million revamp of the public space around the historic St Botolph’s Priory. The council insists the proposed changes “continue to offer very good value for residents, visitors and businesses.”
A spokesperson added: “For example, a four‑hour stay at St John’s multi‑storey will remain £1.30 cheaper than Chelmsford’s High Chelmer car park, £4.40 cheaper than an equivalent stay in Norwich, and 90p cheaper than equivalent parking in Ipswich – all based on Colchester’s proposed rates and before any 2026 increases in those areas.
“We are also retaining our popular off peak offers at St John’s and St Mary’s. The four hour off peak rate will continue to be available at £3.70, and the after 2pm rate will be £3.20, providing even greater savings compared with other similar cities and towns.
“At the same time, the council is investing over £1 million in essential repairs and maintenance to improve the overall quality of Colchester’s car parks – including planned upgrades to accessibility, safety and the size of bays. These improvements are part of our commitment to ensuring that Colchester remains an attractive, accessible and welcoming place for everyone who lives, visits or works here.”