Fans could be forced to fork out £16.50 for parking to watch Colchester United play after new rules came into force.
The charge, which applies to Colchester Leisure Park, is the closest car park to the club’s home ground.
North Essex Parking Partnership (NEPP) has taken over operations of the car park, implementing charges that will apply across the multi-storey car park.
NEPP has also rolled out red route restrictions which aim to support the “safe movement of traffic”.
Colchester’s ground, the JobServe Community Stadium, sits just off the A12, with barely any room to park given its location.
The nearest station, Colchester North, is nearly two miles away, which takes supporters over 40 minutes.
Fans can take the bus, but that takes over half an hour and still requires a lengthy journey.
Councillor Martin Goss, portfolio holder for waste, neighbourhoods and leisure at Colchester City Council, has backed the NEPP’s move.
Colchester fans could have to pay £16.50 in parking charges
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“[It’s] important that parking remains available for the people using its businesses and attractions”, he told the BBC, explaining that the move will support local people.
Goss continued: “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 suggested visitors should “consider the range of transport options available”.
United could be in for a tough season in League Two
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Colchester kick off their campaign against Southampton in the League Cup, with manager Danny Cowley admitting recruitment for the side has been “really tough”.
“We didn’t plan the pre-season to be easy, that’s why we’ve played Norwich, West Ham twice, Peterborough, and Charlton – so we always understood that it was going to be tough for the players. That’s how we like it.
“Off the back of the goals, I was really pleased with how the team responded.
Danny Cowley said recruitment has been ‘really tough’
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“Recruitment is really tough at the moment, there’s no hiding place from that.
“We know what we want. We’re not willing to compromise at the moment but we are trying to stay as brave as we can to get the players that we want.
“This was always going to be a tougher summer than last year. Last year we were in contract, whereas this year we had a lot coming out. We’re working hard to find the players to complement the group,” he told the BBC.
