Witham, Halstead and Bocking Conservative Councillors stop the removal of one-hour free parking locally
Local Conservative councillors have urged residents to take part in a consultation from North Essex Parking Partnership (NEPP) proposing changes to the parking system in the local area.
In January 2024 NEPP attempted to abolish the one-hour free parking system on Witham and Halstead high streets along with Bocking End and The Causeway in Bocking.
However, local Conservative councillors rallied against this with NEPP forced to abandon their original plans completely. Instead NEPP are now putting out two options for public consultation – both of which retain the one-hour free parking.
The first option would allow visitors to park for an hour and stay for an additional hour with the second hour chargeable. Motorists would have to register their arrival either through the Mi-Permit app or at a ticket machine.
The second option on the table is to maintain the status quo. Both proposals only affect Mon-Sat 8am-6pm as per the current system.
Local councillors are now urging residents to have their say on which of the options they want – and a commitment to give their weight to whichever option is favoured by the public.
The statutory consultation will run from Thursday 23rd October until Friday 14th November 2025.
Commenting, Essex County Councillor for Witham Northern, Cllr Ross Playle, said:
“Had NEPP got its way and railroaded these changes through 18-months ago, we would no longer enjoy one-hour free parking in Witham, Halstead and Bocking End.
“Having fought incredibly hard to save one-hour free parking, we know the current system works well. However, we also appreciate some might be attracted to the proposition to introduce an additional hours stay which is currently prohibited.
“We are clear. We will back whichever option residents decide and make that clear to NEPP. That is why we need residents to take part and have their say.”
Essex County Councillor for Halstead, Cllr Chris Siddall, added:
“Our high streets are facing a really challenging time with the economic climate made worse by the disastrous decisions of this Labour government.
“Removing one-hour free parking locally was unthinkable which is why as Conservative councillors we have worked tirelessly to stop this. Residents now have a genuine choice and a say on what option they prefer – we want everyone to make their voice heard!”
Essex County Councillor for Bocking, Cllr Lynette Bowers-Flint said:
“I would encourage all residents to participate in this consultation”
“As the one-hour free parking outside Causeway House in Bocking End is utilised by many people, this will affect every visitor that uses that area. It is vital that those who want to continue to be able to park freely, complete the consultation and get their voices heard”
“I am so pleased that by standing up for residents we have got to this stage, giving us all the chance to ensure that the voice of the majority is heard and acted upon”
· Residents can take part online at https://nepp.traffweb.app/traffweb/2/PublicConsultation or by emailing [email protected]. Alternately, by post - TRO Comments, North Essex Parking Partnership, PO Box 5575, Colchester, CO1 9LT.
· The action has been led by Essex County Councillors, Cllr Ross Playle, Cllr Chris Siddall, Cllr Lynette Bowers-Flint and Braintree District Councillors, Cllr Toby Williams, Cllr Sindhu Rajeev, Cllr Billy Taylor, Cllr Ethan Williams, Cllr Jon Hayes and Cllr Jack Edwards.
