On Tuesday evening, as Ipswich Town played Crystal Palace at Portman Road, supporters stopping in borough council-owned car parks faced paying the new rate - when it was previously £7 for a whole day - for the first time.
Ipswich Borough Council had decided on a price increase back in September to help plug a funding gap.
The local authority justified the hike by blaming congestion and saying other Premier League grounds have a similar surcharge during home games.
The £15 price is only for between three hours before kick-off and one hour after the game on Ipswich matchdays.
The council had decided to increase the car park charges in September.The council had decided to increase the car park charges in September. (Image: Shikhar Talwar) Ipswich Town's game with Crystal Palace on Tuesday was the first day of the increased tariffs.Ipswich Town's game with Crystal Palace on Tuesday was the first day of the increased tariffs. (Image: Ross Halls) Our reporter was in the car parks chatting to Blues supporters arriving at Portman Road and witnessed some vehicles enter before swiftly leaving to park elsewhere after reading the signs advertising the new charge.
Even at kick-off time the car park still had several empty spots dotted around, despite the fixture itself being a sell-out.
The council car parks are usually full to the brim when the Blues play at home.
"At the other grounds, you would have to pay on average £10 or £11, not £15," said Terry Reeves of Wickham Market, who has been travelling to Ipswich since the 1970s to support the club.
"It's completely scandalous what they are doing, and not fair at all.
"Think about it this week - we have two home games, I am spending £30 just to park. That's basically the price of the tickets."
A supporter said that the council had made a rod for its own back.One supporter said that the council had made a "rod for their own back" (Image: Shikhar Talwar)"The council has made a rod for their own back here. I have never seen this car park more empty," said Jill Bonner.
An hour before kick-off the car park was still unusually empty.An hour before kick-off the car park was not quite full (Image: Shikhar Talwar) Many were seen driving back out after looking at the new charges.Many were seen driving back out after looking at the new charges. (Image: Shikhar Talwar) Meanwhile, Tom George said: "It just makes me not want to park here anymore.
"I think it's a horrible decision. I see why they have to do this, but they should not be making it this expensive for us to come and watch a game."
At kick-off and the car park still had a large amount of spots left.This picture was taken at kick-off time - there were still spaces available (Image: Shikhar Talwar) The alternative of taking public transport is not feasible for everyone.The alternative of taking public transport was not feasible for everyone. (Image: Shikhar Talwar) An alternative route that had been suggested was taking public transport - however, for many this is not possible.
Jim Steven, of Sudbury, said: "To get to Sudbury you have to go from Ipswich to Marks Tey and from there to Sudbury.
"But the last train from Marks Tey to Sudbury is at 10pm, on weekday games there is no way I am making it back in time."
Jane Riley expalined the reason behind the increase to be congestion.Jane Riley defended the price hike (Image: Ipswich Borough Council) Councillor Jane Riley, Ipswich Borough Council’s portfolio holder for culture and customers, said that the changes went ahead as planned and said that the decision was based on the significant congestion around the stadium during games.
She said: "The new tariff of £15 on home match days only applies at our long stay car parks situated on Portman Road, Princes Street, and West End Road, for the period starting three hours before kick-off to one hour after kick-off.
"Those prepared to pay the premium will have parking very close to the stadium while the charge may also encourage local fans to travel to games via other means such as park & ride, bus, cycling or walking.
"Premium tariffs are common at car parks close to other Premier League grounds on home match days, with some venues charging up to £37 per day.”