Supporters heading to League Two stadium this season now face new £16.50 matchday charge

Supporters heading to the home of Colchester United are facing a significant increase in matchday parking costs ahead of the new campaign.

New restrictions and charges around the JobServe Community Stadium will come into force from the opening weekend of the season.

Parking near JobServe Community Stadium skyrockets before new season

Fans attending matches at the Essex venue could now pay up to £16.50 to park after new matchday rules were introduced at the neighbouring Colchester Leisure Park, as per the BBC.

The multi-storey car park is now operated by the North Essex Parking Partnership (NEPP), with the new charge applying from four hours before kick-off until two hours after the final whistle for football matches and other major events, including concerts.

Visitors using businesses at the leisure park, including Vue Cinema and Hollywood Bowl, can still receive between two and seven hours of free parking by validating their stay, while customers at the surface car park serving Greggs and Wendy's will be entitled to 90 minutes of free parking.

Alongside the new parking fees, red route restrictions have also been introduced on sections of United Way to prevent stopping on the approach to the stadium following ongoing congestion and safety concerns during major events.

Colchester City Council says the measures are designed to improve traffic flow, keep spaces available for leisure park visitors and encourage supporters to use alternative travel options such as walking, cycling, public transport or the park-and-ride service.

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While improving traffic management around the JobServe Community Stadium is understandable, charging up to £16.50 simply to park is likely to prove unpopular with both home and away supporters, particularly in League Two where affordability remains a key part of the matchday experience.

For fans travelling by car, planning ahead and considering alternative transport options may now be more important than ever, especially with the new restrictions coming into force from the very first home fixture of the season.