West Suffolk Council proposes free first hour parking in Haverhill

West Suffolk Council is consulting on a pilot scheme that would make the first hour of parking free in haverhill and Newmarket from Monday 15 June if the Traffic Regulation Order is approved. The changes would cover three Haverhill car parks and three Newmarket car parks, with drivers still needing to display a parking ticket during the free period.

Cliff Waterman on the consultation

Cliff Waterman, the council leader, said the authority is consulting to make sure the changes deliver the intended benefit to town centre businesses. He said: "We are already working with partners to encourage people to support their local High Streets, to bring in visitors, boost footfall and to welcome new business start-ups including on our markets."

Waterman also said: "These parking changes, using reserves, were put forward by councillors as part of the council’s budget setting in February this year." He added: "We are now carrying out a consultation including with our town centre partners to ensure that any changes we make will bring the intended benefits to town centre businesses."

Haverhill and Newmarket car parks

In Haverhill, the trial would apply to the Arts Centre, Jubilee Walk and Lower Downs Slade car parks. In Newmarket, it would cover All Saints, The Guineas and Rous Road. People could park free for the first hour, then pay to stay longer if they wanted to remain in town.

David Taylor, the cabinet member for operations, said: "Our car parks play an important role in supporting town centre workers and shoppers." He said: "They also have a cost to run and maintain, and we are careful not to put that overall cost onto the taxpayer."

West Suffolk Council reserves

Councillors agreed in February to use up to £1.2 million of council reserves over two years to support local high streets with free parking trials. The council says the reserves will help pay for car parking tariffs, maintenance and more than £1 million a year in business rates for the use of the land.

Taylor said the council wants to avoid deterring people from visiting or staying longer. He said: "We are keen to ensure that any change won’t put off people who want to come to our towns, stay longer and spend more." He added: "That is why we will consult on this change, and if these periods of free parking are introduced, we will be monitoring to ensure any impact is positive to our town centres."

The deadline for comments on the Traffic Regulation Order is 4 June 2026. If the consultation supports the proposal, the free first hour could begin on Monday 15 June.