Changes for Edinburgh Road car park

Edinburgh Road car park is set to change its opening time to 24 hours a day from Spring 2021 after Cabinet approved the proposal at its latest meeting.

The multi-storey car park provides a large number of spaces for visitors but with the transformation of Ashford’s town centre, including an increased development of residential premises and the change in shopping demand in the light of the Covid-19 pandemic, it is time to adapt to meet these changes.

Expanding the opening hours at Edinburgh Road car park will provide an additional parking facility for those visiting the town’s restaurants and bars in the evening as well as shift workers and night workers.

Along with the new operating hours, proposals include reduced fees for customers using RingGo (the cashless parking app). It will also offer residents who do not qualify for on-street parking permits the opportunity to purchase a residential season ticket, providing access to a secure overnight parking facility, supported by CCTV.

Cllr Peter Feacey , portfolio holder for Community Safety and Wellbeing said: “As we focus on the transformation of our town centre and the changing ways in which people use it we need to consider a multitude of factors, including parking provision.

“By expanding the opening hours and parking options available at Edinburgh Road car park, we can offer a better provision for Ashford’s residents, visitors and businesses as we look ahead to the town’s regeneration.”

To find out more about parking in Ashford and Tenterden visit the parking section of our website.