Ipswich: Quids In success hailed as thousands flock to town
Business leaders and councillors came together to launch Quids In. - Credit: Archant
Thousands of extra visitors have flocked to Ipswich since the “Quids In” scheme for cheap parking was introduced at the start of September.
Now pressure is mounting to keep it running to Christmas and beyond.
The promotion gives drivers unlimited parking after 3pm in borough and some NCP car parks in the town for £1, and a £1 fare on Ipswich Buses and Park and Ride services into the town after 3pm. The offers apply to weekdays only.
New figures released by the borough council show that during the first three weeks an extra 2,000 drivers used the borough’s four main car parks.
And, surprisingly, it found that the number of cars using the parks between 2pm and 3pm – before the reduced charges apply – has also increased by 300.
Overall, more than 6,000 extra customers used borough’s car parks throughout the day since the campaign started on September 2.
Borough leader David Ellesmere hinted that the authority could consider continuing with the initiative after it is due to come to an end on November 15.
Most Read
- 1 Man 'punched and slashed' in serious assault in car park at Ipswich B&M
- 2 Ellie uses 4 tonne truck to make impressive entrance at school prom
- 3 Ipswich firm admits mis-selling foam loft insulation to Suffolk customers
- 4 'Fantastic opportunity' as Ipswich's Thomas Wolsey pub listed for sale
- 5 Burger van owner's anger after thieves steal food from trailer in Ipswich
- 6 New restaurant could be coming to the Waterfront, but theatre plans dropped
- 7 5 award-winning restaurants in and around Ipswich you need to visit
- 8 23-year-old Felixstowe woman pleads guilty to assault
- 9 Search ongoing for 29-year-old Suffolk man missing for three weeks
- 10 Travellers remain at Ipswich park after arrival last week
Retailers and other town centre businesses are desperate to attract shoppers and those seeking to enjoy the festivities during the run-up to Christmas.
Mr Ellesmere said: “The initial results are very positive. We will continue to review the financial implications and talk to our partners.
“We cannot say yet what will happen after the trial period but all options are open at this stage.”
The Quids In message also appears to be spreading. The third week saw nearly 1,000 extra customers in four car parks after 3pm, compared to an increase of 655 in the first week of operation.
