In the News: Free evening parking retained following consultation feedback
Basildon Council has confirmed changes to some parking decisions having taken on board the views of residents and businesses.
Following extensive consultation on changes to parking and having considered all feedback received, the council has listened and acted on what residents and businesses said. The following adjustments will now be made:
· There will be no charges for evening parking
· Formally recognised and constituted voluntary groups can apply for concessions on parking charges
· Additional spaces for Billericay Swimming Pool will be made available for pool users to park free of charge at Billericay Lake Meadows
Cllr Aidan McGurran, Cabinet Member for Environment & Leisure, said:
"We understand the sensitivities around parking, and we have been pragmatic in our approach to deal with it.
"We worked with Area Committees and consulted with residents and businesses with the goal of meeting their needs while keeping our budgets manageable.
"One of the key changes we have made is removing the evening parking charges and this was because we listened to employees who work in pubs and restaurants and realised this could have a significant negative impact on them."
In addition, Wickford Area Committee and Wickford Town Council have agreed to fund a free four-hour period for both Saturday and Sunday at Wickford High Street car park. Also, a 30-minute parking tariff will still be available at Wickford Ladygate car park - funded by Wickford Area Committee.
"We are still hoping Billericay Area Committee and Town Council will do the right thing and follow Wickford's lead for the benefit of residents and businesses" added Cllr McGurran.
Cllr Emma Callaghan, Cabinet Member for Partnerships, Performance & Engagement, added:
"When we ask local people what they think, we listen, and more importantly, we act on it. That's how it should be.
"We did it with bin collections, and now we've done it again with parking. People made it clear they didn't want evening charges, and we've scrapped them.
"This council isn't interested in ticking boxes or pretending to listen. We're here to get the basics right and respect what local residents are telling us."
Ends
Published 14 May 2025.