People encouraged to have their say on parking strategy

Residents, businesses and visitors are being given the chance to have their say on the future parking strategy being carried out across the Babergh and Mid Suffolk districts.

The councils are working with key stakeholders, including Suffolk County Council as the highways authority, town and parish councils, business groups, as well as local organisations to find the best future solution for everyone.

And they are also keen to hear the views of individuals via an online questionnaire at www.babergh.gov.uk/parkingstrategy2021 and www.midsuffolk.gov.uk/parkingstrategy2021, running until September 28.

Anyone wishing to take part who does not have internet access should call 02392 432756 to request a paper copy.

Jessica Fleming, cabinet member for environment at Mid Suffolk District Council, said: “Our aim is to develop a parking strategy that is fit for the future, so our district can continue to thrive and be a place people are proud to call home. We must ensure shoppers, tourists, visitors, residents, workers and commuters have access to sufficient, good quality, safe, welcoming and easy-to-use parking.

“Of course, the parking strategy must reflect both the need for private vehicle parking and our climate change ambitions, and support more sustainable transport options such as buses, trains, and cycling, to connect our communities.

“I would encourage everyone who can, to share their experiences of parking in Mid Suffolk, so we can see key areas for development and focus, to help shape the future for our towns.”

Elisabeth Malvisi, cabinet member for environment at Babergh District Council, added: “The right level and types of car parking facilities, and the right controls for their use, are vital if our communities are to continue to thrive.

“This includes helping to support our environment by providing opportunities to shift motorist behaviour towards more sustainable travel – improving air quality and biodiversity, and reducing CO2 emissions from congestion. However, we must balance this with the developmental and regeneration visions of our towns.

“I encourage everyone in Babergh to have their say in the consultation, as your feedback is vital in helping to develop a strategy that keeps Babergh a place we’re all proud to call home.”

Findings will build on the Joint Area Parking Management Plan, approved by both cabinets last year, and the car parking study report for Babergh, which highlighted the increasing need for a medium to long term parking strategy.

The strategy will also reflect feedback from the councils’ active travel consultation, which ran during the summer with over 1,000 responses, as part of plans to create a Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan – supporting sustainable travel and wayfinding improvements as part of town visions.

The final parking strategy is due to be approved by cabinets in Autumn 2022.

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