Parking charges to rise for the first time since 2020

Parking charges across Ashford and Tenterden are set to increase by less than the Consumer Price Index (CPI), the first increase for over three years.

Over the last few years, car parking costs have risen. Electricity bills for our parking sites have gone up by £173,000, and a significant funding gap currently exists. lt is important that our car parks are maintained to ensure they are safe and we generate funds to invest, enabling the council to improve our services for the future. At last night’s Cabinet meeting members reluctantly agreed to a proposal of a minimal increase in charges. All tariffs will rise by approximately 10% (rounded to the nearest 10p), half of the CPI, which has increased by 20.18% in real terms since the last increase in charges.

This increase in parking tariffs will come into effect from 1 October 2023 and will only apply to council-run car parks plus on-street parking in Ashford and Tenterden. Those with season tickets or parking permits will not be affected by the increase. Blue badge holders also remain entitled to three hours free parking within our car parks.

Charges for short stay parking will rise by 10p per hour, bringing the majority of fares up to £1.30 per hour which is payable in 5p increments. The proposed charges are still lower than those of our competitors.

Members of the Stour Centre gym who pay for their membership via direct debit are still entitled to two hours free parking while they use the fitness facilities. Gym members simply need to purchase a ticket as normal at the parking terminal then take it to the Stour Centre front desk where they will receive a refund for up to two hours parking.

The council continues providing free parking at certain times in select council-run car parks across the borough. Visit www.ashford.gov.uk/free-parking for more details. This initiative has proven popular with customers and provides support to our local town centre businesses. All council-run car parks and the town centre high streets remain free to park in after 6pm.

Cllr. Steve Campkin, Deputy Leader of the Council and Portfolio Holder for Climate, Environment and Transport, said: “This is the first time parking charges have increased since April 2020, and inflation alone outstrips the rises proposed so we feel a 10% increase is reasonable in consideration of this.

“We don’t want to use car parking charges as a green tax as this disproportionately targets the less affluent among us, we’re far more interested in providing infrastructure to encourage walking, cycling and public transport, but some people will still need to use private cars and we need to accommodate everyone.”

For more information on the car parks Ashford Borough Council manages visit www.ashford.gov.uk/parking