Braintree and Witham free parking may become pay and display

The North Essex Parking Partnership (NEPP) is looking at implementing the new system across the county.

Free parking in both The Causeway and Bocking End, in Braintree, and Newland Street, in Witham, could be axed.

Drivers can currently park there for free for up to an hour between 8am and 6pm, Monday to Saturday.

The new pay and display system would cover the same period, with The Causeway and Bocking End seeing a maximum stay of two hours implemented.

Other roads touted for pay and display in the district are the High Street and The Centre in Halstead.

Papers say the new system is “to manage traffic and encourage appropriate use of off-street car parks for stays” and to “reduce the burden” on traffic officers needing to return to check how long cars have been parked.

It is estimated a total of between £140,000 and £190,000 will be made overall, with similar plans outlined for roads in Colchester, Harlow and Epping Forest.

Newland Street, in Witham (Image: Google)

A spokesman for the North Essex Parking Partnership said: “These sites have been proposed for consideration by the joint committee as part of a policy-driven initiative to improve traffic management and parking turnover in areas with high demand.

“The reports outlining the proposed traffic regulation orders (TROs) detail the reasoning behind each site selection.

“Paid parking has proven to be an effective tool for managing traffic flow and ensuring parking availability in busy areas.

“By deterring long-term parking and encouraging turnover, paid parking schemes can help keep roads clear and traffic flowing smoothly.

“It's important to note that the primary aim of civil parking enforcement is not to generate income but to manage parking and improve traffic flow.

“While revenue from paid parking may help cover the increasing costs of patrol and enforcement, any surplus is reinvested back into essential traffic management initiatives.”

Following the decision, which will be discussed at a meeting on Thursday evening, any approved TRO schemes will undergo a formal public advertising period so people can provide feedback.