Fans face £16.50 parking charge as season kicks off

Football fans could have to pay up to £16.50 from Saturday as new parking rules take effect at a retail park next to an Essex stadium.

The new charge will apply at Colchester Leisure Park - close to Colchester United's football ground - when there is a match or an event such as a concert taking place.

The car park is now operated by the North Essex Parking Partnership (NEPP) - a council-run organisation led by Colchester City Council - after it took over from Total Car Parks.

NEPP has also introduced red route restrictions on the stadium's approach road to "support the safe movement of traffic around the area".

The charge will apply at the multi-storey car park from four hours before a match or event at the JobServe Community Stadium, until two hours after it ends - and must be paid via the MiPermit cashless parking system.

The city council said visitors to Colchester Leisure Park venues - including Vue cinema and Hollywood Bowl - could still benefit from between two and seven hours' free parking by validating their stay.

The surface-level car park outside Greggs and Wendy's will provide valid customers with a maximum stay of 90 minutes free parking.

Red route restrictions have been implemented along sections of United Way, indicating that stopping is not permitted - following "ongoing issues" during major events and match days.

Councillor Martin Goss, portfolio holder for waste, neighbourhoods and leisure at Colchester City Council, said it was "important that parking remains available for the people using its businesses and attractions."

"These measures will help improve access to the leisure park, make restrictions clearer for motorists and support the safe movement of traffic around the area."

He added that visitors should "consider the range of transport options available", including walking, cycling, public transport and park and ride services.

Colchester United begin their season on Saturday with a League Cup home match against Southampton.

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