Drivers believe that the inclusion of long stay spaces in a town centre car park can only make Ipswich better. 

Ipswich Borough Council's planning committee will be discussing plans to convert 190 spaces in Crown Car Park, on Charles Street, into long stay spaces, during their meeting next Wednesday.

A condition placed in 2016 has meant that visitors are only able to park for up to five hours if they arrive before 2pm — after this time, the maximum stay is until 8am the next day.

The change would see 190 spaces being converted into long-stay.The change would see 190 spaces being converted into long-stay.  (Image: Shikhar Talwar)

Frank Barber said these plans could make the town centre better. Frank Barber said these plans could make the town centre better.  (Image: Shikhar Talwar) Drivers in Ipswich believe that this is a real positive as it can help to bring more people to the town centre. 

Frank Barber, of Ipswich, one such frequent user of Crown Car Park, said: "It can only make the town better. 

"I parked here today cause it is the cheapest short-stay car park around, but parking in Ipswich for a longer time is not very accessible.

"So for anyone who wants to go into the town centre adding long stay here is a great thing, and it will improve the shops in the future."

Vivian Snell said the plans would help people like him who come from outside of Ipswich.Vivian Snell said the plans would help people like him who come from outside of Ipswich.  (Image: Shikhar Talwar) Another driver, Vivian Snell, said that he comes from outside Ipswich to town to do some shopping, and people like him need to stay longer than four hours. 

"You have to time yourself when you park here, and either come back here and pay for another ticket or find another car park," Mr Snell added. 

"So, doing something like this would help customers like us come and stay in Ipswich."

Couple Kay and Keith Billings said the car park should have both long and short stay. Couple Kay and Keith Billings said the car park should have both long and short stays.  (Image: Shikhar Talwar) Keith and Kay Billings, also agreed with the proposals but that short-stay in Crown Park should continue.

"As long as we have access to both, it's a good thing, it gives us drivers options when needed," the couple said. 

The car park has 508 spaces in total. The car park has 508 spaces in total.  (Image: Shikhar Talwar) The car park has 508 spaces in total, and the council is planning to use 190 for long-stay and the rest for short-stay. 

In their statement, they wrote that even during peak times there are 300 spaces free at Crown Car Park.