Ipswich Town fans angered over Portman Road car park charges

The borough council has announced a new £15 parking charge will come into effect for three car parks near Portman Road stadium from Tuesday, December 3.

The price will only be applicable for days when Ipswich are playing at home.

Signs showing the hike in prices were spotted before the home game against Manchester United at the West End car park - and the rise is due to take effect for the clash with Crystal Palace.

The fee is set to come into effect for Ipswich Town's next home game against Crystal Palace (Image: Chris Gregory) The fee changes will apply for the long stay car parks in Portman Road, Princes Street and West End Road but no discounts will be available for less mobile fans.  

Currently, at all of the car parks, the fee for all-day parking is £7 - less than half of what the new fee will be.

The parking fee will apply three hours before kick-off to one hour after the start of the game, and could raise tens of thousands every match. 

A spokesperson for Ipswich Borough Council said: "There are no discounted tariffs for Blue Badge holders at those long stay car parks.

"There are designated bays in Portman Road B, Portman Road C, Princes Street and West End Road but charges apply."

Disabled fans such as Peter Shemming, a Portman Road season ticket holder who has supported the Blues for the last 50 years, are disappointed with the new policy.

The Blue Badge holder, who lives in Rushmere St Andrew, branded the new price "extortionate".

Peter Shemming is a disabled fan walks the short distance between the car park and his seat in the Sir Alf Ramsey Stand (Image: Peter Shemming) He said: "I am a 72-year-old fan with a disabled badge that I need to use.

"I have supported Ipswich for over 50 years and need this car park to allow me to be able to attend the games.

"£15 to me as a pensioner is extortionate."

Matthew and his two sons, William, 13 and Lucas, eight (Image: Matthew Self) Matthew Self, 54, is a lifelong Town fan who attends games with his sons, William, 13, and Lucas, eight.

Lucas is autistic and Mr Self says that the changes are bad for his family and could also negatively impact local businesses as well.

Mr Self, who lives in Great Bentley, said: "No one is now going to go into town before the match and spend money hurting more businesses.  

"I have a young autistic son who I take to most games and have to park close to the stadium - walking long distances is not an option.

"If I have to park there it will mean money not spent elsewhere like in the shops, so instead of money going to the club and those business that support them it will go to the council instead."

Ipswich Town fans took to social media to express their views on the change (Image: Archant)