Why it matters: The decision means that all residents' parking permits will continue to be charged at the current flat rate of £62 for a first permit and £124 for a second permit, regardless of vehicle size.
The big picture: The scrapped proposals would have introduced a three-tier pricing system based on vehicle length.
Small vehicles under 3.92 metres would have kept current rates, but medium vehicles (3.92-4.45 metres) would have faced increases to £78/£155, whilst large vehicles (4.46-6 metres) would have paid £98/£194.
The scheme was designed to address parking space shortages on some streets by encouraging the use of shorter vehicles and to help with longer-term financial issues on the residents' parking account.
It was expected to generate an additional £33,000 per year.
What went wrong: The statutory consultation in June and July generated significant opposition from residents across five wards: Alexandra, Gipping, Holywells, St Margaret's and Westgate.
Residents raised concerns that the proposals would unfairly penalise families and people with disabilities who require larger vehicles. They also argued that charging should be based on emissions rather than vehicle size, and questioned whether the scheme would actually improve parking availability.
What they're saying: Cllr Jane Riley, Portfolio Holder for Culture and Customers, said: "In June and July this year, Ipswich Borough Council took the decision to ask residents' views on variable parking rates for those with permits, so owners of larger vehicles would pay more, for example, in order to free up space for street parking long term. That consultation received a number of objections. People were against the proposals, not least because they told us they worried they would penalise families and disabled people, and would not meet climate change objectives as they would not account for emissions."
She added: "You spoke, and we listened – a decision has now been taken and the proposed changes will not go ahead, in direct response to how people in Ipswich feel. Thank you to everyone who took part, your voice genuinely matters and our consultations are always meaningful."
What's next: The council will need to find alternative ways to address any longer-term financial issues with the residents' parking scheme account. Officers will separately consider how to tackle these challenges without the additional £33,000 revenue the variable charging system would have generated.
All respondents to the consultation will be informed that their objections have been upheld.
The bottom line: After listening to residents' concerns about fairness and effectiveness, Ipswich Borough Council has demonstrated that public consultation can genuinely influence policy decisions, even when proposals have already received executive approval.
