The end of free car parks could be in sight across east Suffolk – with council officials needing to raise £240,000 a year to offset the cost of taking on enforcement of yellow lines from the police.

Suffolk Coastal, which along with other councils across the county will take on the role in two years’ time, does not expect to make a profit from issuing parking tickets to motorists.

It says the oppposite will be true – and its share of an estimated £3million cost of tackling drivers who break on-street parking rules will be around £240,000 per year.

The council needs to raise this money to make the service break even and is proposing imposing charges at free car parks and raising ticket prices at others, and extending off-street car parks.

In Felixstowe, this will mean pay and display machines for Landguard Fort and the Port Viewing Area car parks – two of the town’s most popular.

Carol Poulter, cabinet member for the green environment, said: “Talks are already planned between Suffolk Coastal District Council and Felixstowe Town Council representatives to discuss how to approach future developments that are likely to impact on the town.

“Discussions will include the possibility of changes to the free car parks at Eastwood Ho, Garrison Lane and Manor Terrace and the uncharged short stay spaces in Highfield Road and Crescent Road car parks.”

In Aldeburgh, pay and display tariffs would be imposed at Slaughden Road, quay and sea wall once land ownership is clarified.

She said: “All areas in Suffolk Coastal are encouraged to respond with any ideas for restrictions and/or charging that they would like to see implemented.”

Changes are also being considered in Framlingham, including creating a 70-space extension to The Elms car park and introduction of a Residents Parking Zone for Castle Street, Church Street, Double Street and Fore Street with householders buying permits, the first such scheme in the district.

In Woodbridge, there is the opportunity to redevelop land at The Avenue for extra parking and improve capacity at the Station site, and further revenue could be gained at Darsham railway station, where there are plans to develop a new car park.

Consultation is being planned initially with local councils and business associations.