Free Thursday afternoon parking launched in response to council price hikes

Why it matters: Data shows the council operates 15 of the town centre's 32 car parks, typically offering lower rates for shorter stays compared to private operators, but more expensive rates for longer stays.

However, the council's planned increases were met with anger and frustration from residents and prompted Ipswich Central , the town's Business Improvement District (BID), to take action to help keep the town centre accessible at a time when pockets are being squeezed from every direction.

IBC vs Other Operators (Average Cost per Duration)

The big picture: The BID has responded to the upcoming council parking increases by partnering with Apex Parking to offer free Thursday afternoon parking at Blackfriars car park on Foundation Street, already the town's cheapest car park, from 3pm to midnight on Thursdays.

What they're saying: "We often receive feedback that the cost of car parking is something that puts people off coming into the town centre," said Lee Walker , CEO of Ipswich Central. "In collaboration with Apex Blackfriars Car Park in Foundation Street, we are offering motorists the opportunity to park for free on a Thursday between 3pm and midnight to enjoy late afternoon shopping, early evening drinks, food after work with friends or maybe an evening out with no cost for parking."

The details: The council increases will affect both short-stay and long-stay car parks, including:

• Short-stay tariff rises in town centre locations

• 10p per hour increases at Norwich Road Shoppers, Fore Street, Smart Street, and Portman Road

• 50p increases for five-hour and 24-hour tickets at Portman Road

• New season tickets for businesses at £1,309 per year for weekdays or £1,386 for seven-day access

Looking ahead: The free parking initiative will run for ten weeks from 20 February to 24 April. Its success will be measured through footfall data, car park usage and business feedback, with the possibility of extension if successful.

For context: While council car parks currently offer competitive rates compared to private operators – £1.46 average for one hour versus £2.10 elsewhere – it should be noted they are funded by taxpayers and are expected to provide value-for-money services to residents.

The bottom line: The council says parking charge increases will generate additional revenue of £307,000 per year. Meanwhile, Ipswich Central is working with private operators to maintain affordable parking options and protect town centre footfall.

Our data

For the purpose of this article, we have defined a town centre car park as within a 20-minute walk of the middle of Buttermarket.