Bury St Edmunds: Woman criticises on-street parking charges u-turn

A U-turn on evening parking charges in Bury St Edmunds has been criticised by a woman who says those living in the town centre now face increased competition for spaces.

Judy Broadway, of Guildhall Street, raised her concerns following the decision by Suffolk County councillor Guy McGregor to withdraw orders that would have led to an evening tariff for on-street parking in the town.

The proposed tariff, which was set to come into force last week, was aimed at on-street parking in Angel Hill, Corn Hill, the Butter Market and areas south of the town centre.

It was intended to follow in the wake of the introduction of a £1 evening charge for Bury’s car parks brought in by St Edmundsbury Borough Council. The U-turn has been welcomed by businesses and councillors who were against the idea.

However, Mrs Broadway, 63, who has one car in her two-person household, said hundreds of town centre residents would not feel the same way.

She said: “The introduction of charges for using St Edmundsbury’s off-street car parks at night means visitors will prefer to use residential streets once Angel Hill is full.

“There are not enough spaces for residents with paid-for permits as it is. It’s sad to see that our elected councillors don’t consider their residents when making such perverse decisions.”

She added: “Bury isn’t just for visitors: we live here too.”

Mrs Broadway, who is membership secretary of the Churchgate Area Association, said if she went out and returned home at 8pm it would be “impossible” to get a space.

Mr McGregor, who has been cabinet member for roads and transport at the county council, said he could not comment as he is currently not in this role. The authority’s cabinet posts would not be confirmed for a fortnight, he said.