The borough council in Colchester will launch a survey to gauge the views of car park users in the town.

Between January and February 2, parking officers from North Essex Parking Partnership (NEPP), who manage the borough council’s car parks, will ask drivers to complete a survey in exchange for a free car parking stay.

The survey focuses on how and why drivers use the car parks in Colchester and the experience they have, including value for money, special offers, MiPermit payment options, access and lighting.

It also gives people the chance to comment on whether they would like to see electric vehicle charging points installed and areas of the car parks they feel could be developed to make the car parks better.

Councillor Mike Lilley, Colchester Borough Council portfolio holder for planning, public safety and licensing, said: “We are carrying out this survey because we want to build a better picture of exactly how and why people use our town centre car parks, alongside how easy it is to pay, whether they know about special offers and what improvements they would like to see.

“This is all valuable information that will help us to develop parking in the town centre and shape future polices, making a Better Colchester.”

Butts Road, St Johns and St Marys car park will all be visited on January 28 and 29, the latter two will alo be visited again on February 2.

Officers will also visit Vineyard Street and Priory Street on January 26, January 28 and February 1 and 2.

They will then take surveys from motorists at Britannia Car Park on February 1 and 2.

Middlesborough car park will be visited on January 28 and 29.

See the full list below with times:

Butt Road Car Park: January 28, 9am-12noon and January 29, 1pm-4pm.

St Johns Car Park: January 28, 1pm-4pm; January 29, 1pm-3pm and February 2, 8.30am-10.30am.

St Mary’s Car Park: January 28-29, 12noon-2pm and February 2, 10am-12noon.

Vineyard Street Car Park: January 26, 2pm-4pm; January 28 1pm-3pm; February 1-2, 12noon-2pm.

Britannia Car Park: February, 1-2, 3pm-5pm.

Priory Street Car Park: January 26, 10am-12noon; January 28, 9am-11am; February 1-2, 9am-11am.

Middleborough Car Park: January 28-29, 8am-10am.

The survey is also available online here.