CONTROVERSIAL plans for paid parking in Ely have gone out to public consultation this week, with the public having 12 weeks to have their say on the new proposals.

For the first time in the city’s history, shoppers and workers will be charged for using car parks if they stay for more than an hour during the day, with a maximum all day charge set at �2.50.

According to East Cambridgeshire District Council and the City of Ely Council, their joint scheme “aims to balance affordable parking for those wishing to visit and work in the city, manage demand for spaces in the future, and create a simple and easy to use system.”

Short stay parking spots will be free for the first hour, with a four hour stay costing �1.50. In long stay parks, excluding Angel Drove, all day parking will cost �2.50, and a weekly ticket charged at �5.

Free parking is available in the evenings, except at Angel Drove.

The councils have promised that any excess income, above the break-even figure of �314,000, will be reinvested in car parking provision and projects to benefit the city centre.

Under the proposals, Newnham Street car park will become short stay only, and 171 long stay spaces will be reintroduced at the Forehill car park.

Councillor Peter Moakes, Chairman of the Development and Transport committee at East Cambridgeshire District Council, said: “It is very important that people make the voices heard because they can make a difference. So please take the chance to have your say either online or via the forms which will be available over the next three months.”

Ely’s Mayor, Councillor Will Burton, said: “I believe the car parking proposals we have put forward with the District Council are fair and proportionate to visitors, shoppers, workers and businesses in Ely.”

A final decision will be made at the district council’s development and transport committee on March 20 next year

For more information please go to www.eastcambs.gov.uk or call 01353 665555.