Consultation on first free hour parking in Haverhill and Newmarket

12 May 2026

A pilot scheme enabling shoppers in Haverhill and Newmarket to park for the first hour for free, could come into effect next month, subject to a statutory consultation.

And people coming to Bury St Edmunds could also be able to park for free between 8am and 10am on Mondays in the arc surface and underground car park.

Councillors agreed in February to use up to £1.2m of council reserves over two years to support local high streets with free parking trials.

West Suffolk Council is now advertising the parking changes under a Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) a statutory consultation that enables people to put forward their views on the proposed change.

Subject to that consultation, the changes across the three towns will come into effect from Monday 15 June.

The changes in Haverhill would apply to the Arts Centre, Jubilee Walk, and Lower Downs Slade car parks, while in Newmarket All Saints, The Guineas, and Rous Road car parks would also be free for first hour.

People would still need to display a parking ticket during these free parking periods but wouldn’t have to pay. They could then pay to stay longer.

The use of reserves will help pay for the costs covered by car parking tariffs including maintenance and more than £1 million a year that has to be paid in Business Rates for the use of the land. These costs are not covered through council tax but through the income generated from car park users.

Cllr Cliff Waterman, Leader of West Suffolk Council, 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. These parking changes, using reserves, were put forward by councillors as part of the council’s budget setting in February this year. 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.”

Cllr David Taylor, Cabinet Member for Operations at West Suffolk Council said: “Our car parks play an important role in supporting town centre workers and shoppers. They also have a cost to run and maintain, and we are careful not to put that overall cost onto the taxpayer. 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. 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.”

People can view and comment on the Traffic Regulation Order by emailing parking@westsuffolk.gov.uk The deadline for comments is 4 June 2026.

 

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