Ipswich Council Introduces £15 Match Day Parking Charge Near Portman Road Stadium

Supporters of Ipswich Town Football Club experienced joy this summer following the confirmation of their return to Premier League football after a 22-year absence. While many devoted fans journey significant distances to attend home games at Portman Road stadium, a segment of them has expressed dissatisfaction due to the council’s decision to raise nearby parking fees to a minimum of £15. The new parking tariff for home matches was introduced on Tuesday at long-stay car parks managed by Ipswich Borough Council, situated close to Portman Road stadium. This minimum £15 fee will be levied at the Portman Road car parks, in addition to the Princes Street car park and the West End Road car park. Regarding Tuesday’s fixture against Crystal Palace, the council stated that the charge would be active starting three hours prior to the 19:30 GMT kick-off and would persist for one hour following the kick-off. In contrast, on days without matches, motorists are able to park all day near Portman Road for £7. Ipswich Borough Council had previously disclosed in early September its anticipation of a £23 million deficit over the forthcoming four years, with “income generation” through diverse strategies forming part of its proposed solution. Adjustments to parking arrangements surrounding Portman Road were evaluated during that period before the proposals received approval. Councillor Jane Riley, who holds the portfolio for culture and customers, commented that such premium tariffs are standard practice at other Premier League venues. She elaborated, stating, “There is significant congestion in the area around the Portman Road stadium when there is a home match being played.” “The new tariff of £15 on home match days only applies at our long stay car parks situated on Portman Road, Princes Street, and West End Road, for the period starting three hours before kick-off to one hour after kick-off. “Those prepared to pay the premium will have parking very close to the stadium while the charge may also encourage local fans to travel to games via other means such as park & ride, bus, cycling or walking.” “Premium tariffs are common at car parks close to other Premier League grounds on home match days, with some venues charging up to £37 per day.” Parking facilities near other Premier League clubs impose fees comparable to the elevated charge introduced by Ipswich Borough Council. For instance, at Brighton & Hove Albion’s American Express Stadium, supporters are required to pay £18 per vehicle. Advance booking is mandatory for fans, and accessible parking is offered at a 50% reduced rate. Likewise, on match days at Leicester City’s King Power Stadium, fans face a £19 per car charge at the club’s Filbert Street car park. Nevertheless, the club’s website indicates that independent parking options in the vicinity may cost £4 or £5. Nottingham Forest does not provide onsite matchday parking; however, the club’s website states that car parks in the surrounding area charge £10. Helen Gray, 53, travels more than an hour from Wickford in Essex to attend home matches at Portman Road. She described the fare increase as “dreadful” and expressed concern that supporters had not received adequate prior notification. “I have to park in that car park because my seat in the stands is near that car park and I can’t walk that far because I’m recovering from breast cancer,” she said. “It just means I probably won’t be able to purchase things in the club shop or refreshments at half.” Mrs Gray further stated that she hoped the price would be reduced if the club were to be demoted for the upcoming season. She remarked, “If we’re not in the Premier League then there’s no reason for us to still be paying Premier League premium prices.” She also commented, “The club have been decent enough not to put up the price of the season ticket too much and then you get walloped with £200 parking.” Jacqueline Taylor, 56, considered the price increase a “massive jump” but acknowledged the rationale “to some degree.” She stated, “I understand that the amount of traffic with all those people leaving one place at the same time causes huge delay.” She added, “Parking close to a premiership ground around the country means a premium charge.” She also expressed disappointment regarding the absence of concessions for individuals holding blue badges. Steve Wright indicated that he might now be paying three times his usual match day expenses when considering additional costs such as food and beverages. He suggested the price could be more justifiable if it were to contribute to potential improvements in the local vicinity. He further commented, “For me and my son now, whether we travel by train or car, will now depend on various factors but as it stands a £9.60 train into town will certainly put me off driving in despite the comforts the car and park option offers.” He concluded, “I also have concern here for those with disabilities, anxiety issues etc who won’t or are unable to train or use alternative travel and rely on parking and attending in comfort.” Jed Brister, 49, journeys from Great Yarmouth to attend Ipswich Town’s home fixtures. He clarified that he utilizes the Portman Road car parks because he and his family typically depart before mid-week games conclude due to work commitments. He added, “Hopefully the extra income will be spent on surfacing of the car park as it gets worse each week.” He also stated, “Paying an extra £15 a game is going to make an expensive day at the football for us that much harder to justify.” The club, despite being contacted for a statement, has not issued any official communication regarding the parking modifications. The car parks surrounding its stadium are under the ownership and management of the council, meaning the club is not responsible for these changes. A representative for the Ipswich Town Supporters Club conveyed its “disappointment” concerning the council’s decision to raise match day parking fees, noting that fans had historically and typically paid £5. They commented, “However, with the new changes, the charge for football supporters will rise to £15 per game, representing a significant increase over the course of a season.” “In the coming days, we will be reaching out to Ipswich Borough Council directly, to explore potential solutions and to discuss the impact of these price hikes on our supporters.” They added, “We will keep fans updated on any developments.” For updates on Suffolk news, follow BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram, and X. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the content found on external websites. Information regarding our policy on external linking is available.