Halstead Town Council has agreed to review weekend parking restrictions on the market square after a group of high street traders warned that the current two-hour limit is costing them customers.
The item was raised at Monday’s full council meeting, where councillors heard that footfall on Saturdays had fallen noticeably since the shorter limit was introduced. Several traders argued that shoppers were choosing larger retail parks along the A-road where parking is free and unlimited.
What the review will look at
The council confirmed the review would consider a range of options rather than a single fix. Members asked officers to gather usage data from the machines before any decision is made.
- Extending the free period to three hours on Saturdays
- A flat weekend charge with no time cap
- Dedicated short-stay bays outside the busiest shops
- Better signage directing drivers to the long-stay car park
No changes will take effect before the findings return to committee, which is expected in the new quarter. The Chronicle will publish the data once it is released.
Related: Town Council updates · Bypass resurfacing works
Further reading: Parking policy explained
