FRAMLINGHAM CAR PARKS – Q&A’s
Framlingham Town Council receives many questions and comments about parking in the town. These are some of the more frequently raised issues:

FORE STREET, THE ELMS & MARKET HILL CAR PARKS

Q1   Why does Framlingham Town Council need to charge for parking in The Elms and Market Hill?
Responsibility for enforcing parking in towns such as Framlingham was transferred in 2020 from the police to local authorities. It was felt fairer to pay for this enforcement through parking charges rather than from council tax.

Q2   What will the money be used for?
The intention is that parking fees cover enforcement costs with no significant surplus or deficit. Any surplus that is produced will go towards maintenance and resurfacing of the car parks.

Q3  Has the effect on local businesses been considered?
Yes. Local businesses were consulted before the car park schemes were finalised. The aim, particularly in Market Hill, is to leave more spaces free for shoppers by restricting long term parking.

Q4   Is it true that FTC is against having residents’ parking permits for the town’s car parks?
No! The decision not to make residents’ permits available for the car parks comes from East Suffolk Council. We have asked several times, unsuccessfully, for this decision to be changed.

Q5   I’ve heard that the College gave The Elms to the town in perpetuity on the condition that no parking charges were levied. Is this right?
No. The Elms car park remains privately owned, mainly by Framlingham College. The College has stated its wish that the car park be included in a town-wide parking scheme.

Q6   Do I need to enter number plate details when using the parking machines?
Yes. Enforcement officers carry machines which show the number plate details of vehicles for which parking fees have been paid.

Q7   Is a period of free parking available?
Yes. You need to enter your registration number into the machine and take a ticket.

Q8   How do I pay?
By cash or card at the machine or by using the RingGo app. on your mobile phone.

Q9   Do blue badge holders have to pay?
Yes. Where blue badge bays exist, they are placed close to the machine but you still have to pay.

Q10  How do I challenge a penalty notice?
In writing, by letter to East Suffolk Council or by e-mail to: parking.services@estsuffolk.gov.uk

ON-STREET PARKING

Q11   Will residents’ permits be made available for on-street parking in the town?
Discussions with East Suffolk Council about on-street parking in the town are just beginning. The option of residents’ permits will be included in these discussions and residents affected will be consulted at all stages.

Q12   When will on-street parking changes be introduced?
The current earliest estimate from ESC is late 2022.

This is an ongoing statement on the Framlingham CIL infrastructure investment priorities and spending to date (FIIP), which will be updated on a regular basis