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The terms of reference for Babergh District Council’s forthcoming car parking review have just been published and are due to be discussed at a meeting on 30th March.
The Council’s Overview & Scrutiny (Community Services) Committee will consider the draft terms of reference for the study into the issues which may influence or be influenced by the introduction of car parking charges in the council-run car parks in Hadleigh, Sudbury and Lavenham. The 9 Councillors on the Committee will also be asked to decide whether the whole committee or a working group comprising a smaller number of Members would be best placed to conduct the review.
"Many of the issues are outside Babergh’s direct control, including the impact on Sudbury from the Government’s refusal to support the Western Bypass" explained Ryan Jones, Babergh’s Head of Technical Services. "Because of that, we are keen to involve as many interested bodies as possible, including Suffolk County Council and the parish and town councils – especially those in Hadleigh, Sudbury and Lavenham".
The draft terms of reference also propose that the review considers how different groups use the car parks, including commuters, tourists and shoppers and how different types of charging policies might affect usage levels from each of these groups.
"What is clear is that our town and large village centres are facing real economic and social challenges from increased car congestion and that ‘doing nothing’ is no longer an option. I hope that the review will give a clearer picture of what all parties can sensibly achieve in the years ahead".
The review is expected to last throughout the summer with a report due for consideration in the autumn.
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