Drivers of larger cars could pay more for permits

Plans to charge the drivers of larger cars more for on-street parking permits have been backed by council leaders.

Executive members of Ipswich Borough Council met on Tuesday to discuss the move, proposed by Labour's Jane Riley, the authority's lead for culture and customers.

She said the change was needed because of the limited number of on-street parking spaces and the increase in traffic.

But the leader of the opposition, Ian Fisher, a Conservative councillor, criticised the plans - and the categories which could be used to decide whether cars are large or medium-sized.

Riley proposed raising charges for on-street parking permits across the borough's five street parking zones, already set to gradually increase over the next four years, based on a car's length, reports the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

It would mean residents who owned a car considered medium-sized by the council, or between 3.92m (12.8ft) and 4.45m (14.7ft), would pay £78 for the year instead of £62.

Owners of larger cars, between 4.45m (14.7ft) and 6m (19.6ft), would pay £98 for the year. Cars over 6m (19.6ft) would not be allowed a permit.

Separate prices have been drawn up for trade, visitors, business, carers, and places of worship permits, but all with similar increases.

Blue badge holders would remain exempt.

Fisher said it was "ridiculous" to consider some cars as medium-sized including, for instance, a Ford Fiesta.

He said it was simply a "callous attempt to raise more income" as the council estimated it would generate £32,841 in extra funds.

By law, the council is not allowed to deliberately make a surplus with on-street parking permits. If extra money was made, it would need to be reinvested.

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