Rail station car parks upgraded across East Anglia

Rail station car parks in East Anglia have received a makeover to keep them looking smart and welcoming to station users.

Greater Anglia invested over £34,000 to bring car parks at Cheshunt, Dovercourt, Harling Road, Hatfield Peverel, Hockley, North Fambridge, Prittlewell, Rochford, Sawbridgeworth, South Woodham Ferrers, Stowmarket, Thorpe-Le- Soken, Whittlesford Parkway and Wivenhoe up to date with new markings and repairs to tarmac surfaces.

The works also mean that the car parks are compliant with Equality legislation by ensuring that accessible parking spaces are clearly defined, there is the correct number of accessible spaces for each car park and that appropriate distances are maintained between vehicles in the accessible bays.

The work started at the end of February and was completed at the end of March.

Greater Anglia’s Asset Management Director, Simone Bailey, said, "I’m pleased that these station car parks have received a much-needed upgrade and are now ready to welcome passengers with easy and convenient parking as they return to the railway.”

Greater Anglia recently introduced a new pay by hour tariff for 31 of its station car parks, so people have a cheaper option if they’re not planning to park all day.

The new hourly tariff will give people the option to park for up to four hours for £1 an hour – perfect for shorter trips or for visiting places near stations.

There is no change to other tariffs and prices, which have been frozen since 2020.

Stations to get the new hourly charge are: Audley End, Billericay, Bishop’s Stortford, Broxbourne, Cambridge North, Chelmsford, Cheshunt, Colchester, Diss, Ely, Harlow Town, Hatfield Peverel, Ingatestone, Ipswich, Kelvedon, Manningtree, Mark Tey, Rayleigh, Shenfield, Whittlesford, Wickford and Witham.

All of these stations have Automatic Number Plate Recognition, making it easier and quicker to pay up to 24 hours after parking.

In addition, the company is also introducing an hourly tariff at Hockley, Lowestoft, March, Prittlewell, Rochford, Stowmarket, Waltham Cross, Ware and Wivenhoe stations, where customers will be able to pay for parking using Pay By Phone.