On-Street Parking Charges for Braintree, Witham & Halstead Move to Next Stage as Consultation Closes
A major proposal that could change the way residents park in Braintree, Witham and Halstead has now reached its next phase and the decision is officially out of the public’s hands.
The North Essex Parking Partnership (NEPP) has closed its public consultation on the plan to introduce paid on-street parking across several town-centre bays. The proposal would keep the first hour free, but drivers would need to get a ticket or use the app to register their stay and pay if they want to remain for a second hour.
Now, NEPP is reviewing every objection, comment and piece of feedback received. The final decision lies with the NEPP Joint Committee, who will decide whether to approve, amend or scrap the scheme entirely.
🚗 What the Proposal Actually Is
NEPP’s suggested model includes:
1 hour free parking, but drivers must still register (via MiPermit app or a pay-and-display machine where provided)
Option to pay for up to one extra hour
Tariffs similar to nearby car parks
Enforcement made easier because tickets make overstays more visible
Potential reinvestment of surplus funds into road markings, signage and local transport improvements
The changes would affect selected streets in Braintree, Witham and Halstead, replacing the long-standing free 1-hour system.
💬 Why It’s Caused a Stir
During the consultation period, residents, shop owners and local councils raised strong concerns, including:
Fear that even small charges could push shoppers away from already struggling high streets
Concern that “having to get a ticket for the free hour” could deter quick visits
Worries about elderly and less tech-savvy residents being forced to use apps
Claims that “there’s no congestion problem to fix”
Questions about whether this is more about revenue than parking management
Some business owners warned that it could be “the final straw” for independent stores already battling reduced footfall.
NEPP, however, insists the goal is to increase space turnover, improve enforcement, and modernise outdated systems, not to raise profit.
🗳️ Consultation Now Closed, What Happens Next?
The consultation officially ended on 14 November 2025.NEPP is now:
Reviewing all written objections
Preparing a full report summarising feedback
Presenting it to the NEPP Joint Committee
Awaiting a vote on whether the scheme is:
Approved
Amended
Rejected
Or trialled in limited areas first
No final timetable has been announced.
Residents and businesses across the district are now waiting to see whether the paid-parking model becomes a reality in early 2026, or is scrapped entirely.
Community Discussion
Do you think paid on-street parking (after the first free hour) will:
🔹 Help town-centre turnover?
🔹 Harm high street businesses?
🔹 Make no difference at all?
🔹 Or push more people toward big out-of-town retail parks?
We want to hear your thoughts, comment below.
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