Have your say on Ashford’s Parking Strategy 2026-2030

Parking is a vital component of the council’s approach to shaping the places where people live, work, and visit. Effective parking management supports economic development, enables active and sustainable travel and reduces nuisance parking.

Ashford’s parking network includes over 2,200 council-managed spaces across 14 public car parks, as well as on-street parking and privately operated facilities. The borough has seen a shift towards digital payment methods, increased demand for electric vehicle charging, and changing patterns of town centre use following the pandemic.

As a result, we have launched our draft Exploring a Parking Vision and Strategy for 2026–2030 consultation, which sets out a forward-thinking plan to manage parking across the borough.

The strategy underlines our commitment to delivering a modern, safe, and accessible parking service that meets the needs of residents, businesses, and visitors, while supporting the council’s wider priorities on climate action, town centre regeneration, public health, and inclusive economic growth. 

Underpinned by a detailed action plan and a robust monitoring framework, the strategy ensures progress is measurable and adaptable to changing demands. Developed through extensive engagement with elected members, key stakeholders, and industry experts, the draft strategy will be subject to regular review to guarantee it continues to deliver long-term benefits for Ashford’s communities.

Key areas of the strategy

• Prioritise active travel and integration with public transport - infrastructure improvements and behavioural change initiatives will encourage walking, cycling, and healthier, more sustainable travel choices
• Contribute to Ashford’s climate goals by reducing transport-related emissions, expanding electric vehicle charging infrastructure, and supporting the transition to low and zero-emission vehicles. All parking-related projects will be assessed for their environmental impact
• Support economic growth and regeneration by ensuring parking provision is responsive to the needs of local businesses and town centre development. The council will balance supply and demand, enable flexible use of parking assets, and ensure parking supports the vitality of town centres and local economies
• Invest in digital tools and technologies to improve the customer experience, including pay-by-phone options, real-time information, and digital signage. Customer feedback will inform ongoing improvements. 

Have your say now

Please visit our consultation portal to have your say before Monday 16 February 2026.

We want to ensure this strategy reflects the needs and experiences of the people who use our parking facilities every day. Your feedback is essential in helping us shape a service that is fair, forward‑thinking, and fit for the future.

Cllr Steve Campkin, Portfolio Holder for Climate, Environment and Transport, said: “I welcome the development of the strategy and fully support its progression to public consultation. Parking plays a crucial role in how residents, businesses, and visitors experience our borough, and it is essential that our approach is modern, accessible, and aligned with Ashford’s wider ambitions for climate action, regeneration, and sustainable economic growth.

“I am particularly pleased to see strong commitments to improving accessibility, expanding electric vehicle infrastructure, supporting active travel, and ensuring our car parks remain safe, welcoming, and well-maintained.

“I look forward to hearing the views of residents, businesses, and stakeholders during the consultation period and to working with officers to refine the final strategy based on that feedback.

“This is an important step in ensuring Ashford’s parking provision continues to support a vibrant, sustainable, and prosperous borough for years to come.”