Cheshire East Council has launched consultations on the future of transport in the borough which could see the introduction of parking charges in Sandbach.

Since the council was created in 2009, car parking policies across the borough have differed from town to town with charges being applied in many other urban centres.

As part of their budget consultations, Cheshire East is considering the need for greater "harmonisation" of charges between their towns, which could lead to their introduction locally.

On this topic, the consultation explains: "Parking [in Sandbach] is free and in high demand, and limited numbers of available spaces could discourage people from visiting in the future, although frequent and reliable alternative ways to travel will also help the situation."

The car park consultation looks at:

- The role of parking in accessing town centres (current and future);

- The level of parking charges in Cheshire East and scope for harmonisation;

- On-street parking restrictions; and

- Improving parking services.

As well as parking, the council's consultations are looking responses on a full range of transport issues across the borough.

The consultations, which begin today (Monday 23 November) and end on 31 January 2021, will seek to engage with communities, towns, elected members and stakeholders.

The results of this exercise will inform the future direction of how to develop transport, walking and cycling across the borough's towns.

The local transport plan consultations are based around the following themes:

- Accessibility for all - considering all travel needs;

- Sustainability - improving walking, cycling and public transport;

- Quality of the public realm - managing traffic to support town centres and the visitor economy;

- Better neighbourhoods - improving amenities where people live; and

- Connectivity - the strategic links needed to access work, education and essential services, such as hospitals.

Cllr Craig Browne, deputy leader of the council, said: "The consultation is an opportunity for us to work together and get the right blend of local transport provision in the right places.

"Alongside these plans, we are also developing town centre vitality plans for our key service centres, helping us to better understand and respond to local needs.

"We must also consider the potential longer-term impacts of Covid-19. This may include using our spaces differently to enable social distancing, more reliance on active travel and public transport, as well as increased home working."

Cllr Laura Crane, Cheshire East Council cabinet member for highways and waste, said: "The local transport plan sets out a need for greater harmonisation of parking arrangements across Cheshire East, during the period 2020 to 2025.

"The parking consultation, alongside the development of town vitality plans, will engage many stakeholders to ensure we have a broad strategy moving forward, taking into account the economic, environmental and community elements that car parking brings."

The responses to the consultations will be used to shape policies and proposals going forward.

You can complete Cheshire East's 'Car Parking Survey' here.

Sandbach residents can complete the 'Local Transport Delivery Plan' survey here.