The North Essex Parking Partnership (NEPP) is preparing to formally advertise proposed changes to on-street parking arrangements in Braintree, Halstead and Witham. These proposals aim to modernise parking management, encourage sustainable travel, and improve community safety – while continuing to support local businesses and visitors.
Under the proposed scheme, motorists would still benefit from one hour of free parking, with the option to extend their stay for a modest fee, aligned with nearby public car park tariffs. This approach is intended to support short, purposeful visits and increase turnover of parking spaces, helping to boost footfall and strengthen the appeal and activity of town centres.
This shift would deliver significant public benefits, by freeing up officer time for enforcement of high-priority restrictions, such as school zones and red lines, where road safety and responsible parking are especially important. More focused enforcement could also help to promote turnover, improving access to parking and supporting local businesses – representing a more efficient use of public resources.
The suggested improvements to parking restrictions would also bring operational efficiencies. By replacing limited waiting restrictions with Pay and Display, Civil Enforcement Officers can carry out quicker and more effective vehicle checks, enabling them to focus on higher-priority areas. NEPP estimates that enforcement patrol time could be reduced by up to 50%. In areas where similar changes have already been introduced, NEPP has observed a 144% increase in the efficiency of identifying vehicles parked illegally.
If approved, visitors would be able to register their stay using the MiPermit service via app, text or phone, offering convenience and flexibility. Two of the proposed sites would also include parking machines with card payment options. Blue Badge holders would continue to benefit from free parking, provided their badges are clearly displayed.
Councillor Paul Honeywood, Chair of the North Essex Parking Partnership, said: “These proposals are about making our town centres more accessible, safer, and better supported. By encouraging short, purposeful visits and freeing up officer time to focus on areas like school zones, we’re aiming to create a more balanced and responsive parking system. Importantly, visitors would still benefit from a free hour’s parking, with the flexibility to stay longer if needed.”
The NEPP will formally advertise the Notice of Intention through on-street notices, local newspapers, and by letter-dropping businesses in the affected area, towards the end of October. The proposals will then be subject to a three-week consultation period, during which members of the public are invited to submit any comments or feedback. Following the close of the consultation, a report will be prepared that considers all support and objections received. This report will be presented to the NEPP joint committee for a decision on how to proceed.
These proposals reflect NEPP’s commitment to delivering a more efficient, accessible, and community-focused parking experience. Any surplus revenue generated – should the changes go ahead – would be reinvested into local traffic management improvements, including the maintenance of road markings, signage, and street furniture, helping to create a safer and more welcoming environment for all.
Full details will be available on the NEPP website from 23 October, visit https://north.parkingpartnership.org/paid-parking/.
