Council faces calls to revise parking fees after Apex initiative. Impact review promised, focusing on broader incentives.
Apex and Ipswich Central announced free parking on Thursdays after 3 PM. Fisher asked if the council would do the same, if the Apex trial works.
Riley said she’ll review the changes’ impact. She thinks parking isn’t key to bringing people into town. Apex and Ipswich Central plan a parking trial lasting ten weeks and ending April 24.
Blackfriars car park participates. Drivers entering Foundation Street garage after 3 PM park free until midnight. Fisher wants the council to copy Apex.
Fisher congratulated Apex and Ipswich Central, asking if the council would check all charges if the project succeeds. He said that it must exceed expectations.
Riley is happy about their scheme. Tom Hunt’s survey showed key incentives where lower parking was only fifth most important. She mentioned getting people into town, and the council needs income for services. She said reduced parking fees don’t help the town or provide a great incentive to visit.