THE leader of Basildon Council has called out critics of upcoming changes to parking charges across the borough, placing the ball in his opponent’s court.
Labour’s Gavin Callaghan has said Conservative councillors in Billericay and Wickford could use area committee funding to reinstate free parking at council car parks.
His response comes after a political and public outcry over the cancellation of free parking from April, which some Conservative councillors have claimed could harm high street business.
The change will see Wickford’s Ladygate, Wickford Pool, and Wickford Main car parks along with Billericay’s High Street, Radford Crescent and Lake Meadows car parks have charges increased.
Parking is set to cost £1.10 for an hour, £1.60 for two hours, and £3.50 for four hours after years of residents from both towns enjoying free use of council car parks on weekends and evenings.
“The Conservative group did not object to the decision,” said Mr Callaghan on Wednesday.
“In February, the Tories presented an alternative budget to the Council, which had been developed after months of collaboration with the chief finance officers. However, they did not reverse the car parking decision and planned to move forward with the charges.
“As Leader of the Council, I have allocated £90,000 to the Billericay Area Committee for the 2025/2026 financial year.
“Additionally, I have allowed them to carry forward this year’s underspend, bringing the total available to £102,887. It costs approximately £15,000 to provide two hours of free car parking.”
Mr Callaghan added that both Billericay and Wickford’s town councils have enough in their accounts to cover the cost of two hours of free parking.
“Billericay and Wickford Councillors in Basildon and in the town councils should get on with funding the free parking,” he said.
“The people of Laindon, Basildon, and Pitsea should not be asked to pick up this tab.”
Andrew Baggott, leader of Basildon’s Conservative councillors, has previously claimed that the changes have made residents of Billericay and Wickford feel “not welcomed” and has said they will cause suffering among the towns’ small businesses.
The charges in both towns will come into effect from Tuesday April 1.
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