Free parking scheme on its way

Free parking on Sundays, bank holidays and late in the afternoon should become a reality by late October after Ashford Borough Council’s cabinet members voted in favour of the scheme.

Cllr Bernard Heyes, portfolio holder for transportation, high- ways and engineering, told colleagues last Thursday: “I’m sure it will attract more visitors and businesses to the town centre.”

Vehicles will able to park for free in the Edinburgh Road and Flour Mills car parks in Ashford and Tenterden’s Bridewell Lane car park on Sundays and bank holidays. It will also be free to park in the Edinburgh Road car park after 3pm from Monday to Saturday.

Station Road car park in Ashford will be free after 3pm on Sundays and bank holidays.

Finally, there will be a scheme within Bridewell Lane car park, Tenterden, subject to ongoing discussions with the Tenterden Parking Forum.

The parking provisions will be reviewed after a year to see if they make economic sense.

The council has estimated it will lose £35,000 a year in park- ing revenue and will spend £5,000 setting up the scheme but hopes the free parking will encourage more people to visit the town, increasing trade and persuading new companies to move in. Parking payment machines are likely to be replaced and updated.

What do you think? Write to Kentish Express, 34-36 North Street, Ashford, TN24 8JR or email kentishexpress@thekmgroup.co.uk

Picture: Gary Browne Cllr Bernard Heyes