Drivers face an increase in town parking charges

Parking charges across Ashford and Tenterden will increase for the first time in six years.

The fee to park in council-run car parks and in on-street bays in both towns will increase from Saturday, April 1.

Season ticket or permit holders will not be affected by the hike.

Charges for short stay parking will rise by 10p per hour, bringing the majority of fares up to £1.10.

The tariff for the Civic Centre and Stour Centre car park in Ashford will increase from 80p to £1.50 for the first two hours of parking.

The 80p charge was originally intended for people visiting the Customer Contact Centre, but permits are now available to customers who have booked an appointment with an adviser.

Those visiting the Civic Centre for a quick query can park in the 15-minute bay located near the entrance free of charge.

Members of the Stour Centre gym with a direct debit membership are still entitled to three hours free parking by purchasing Ashford and Tenterden’s council-run car parks and on-street bays will see hike in fares a ticket. They can then take it to the Stour Centre desk where they will receive a refund for up to three hours parking.

The decision to increase the tariffs was made by Ashford Borough Council (ABC) in June 2016, when money was put into parking services with 45 new parking terminals across Ashford and Tenterden.

Card and contactless technology will also soon be available at these machines.

The increase coincides with the national introduction of the new 12-sided £1 coin.

Ticket machines will be modified to accept both the current and new £1 coins.

This change will be made in April, the same time as the rise in parking charges starts.

ABC will also continue providing free parking at certain times in selected council car parks.

Parking is also free in pay and display parking bays in the High Street, North Street and Bank Street after 6pm from Monday to Saturday. In addition, parking is free all day on Sundays.

All council car parks and the town centre streets are free to park in after 6pm.

Visit www.ashford.gov.uk/for more information.

What do you think? Write to Kentish Express, 34-36 North Street, Ashford TN24 8JR or email kentishexpress@thekmgroup.co.uk Cllr Brad Bradford, above, Ashford Borough Council’s portfolio holder for highways, said: “This is the first time parking charges have increased in six years.

“The tariffs not only reflect the current economic climate, but they are on a par with neighbouring authorities’ rates.

“Any surplus generated helps to support council projects, which helps keep Ashford’s council tax the lowest in the county.

“As part of the council’s commitment to driving footfall into the town centre and supporting our local businesses, we continue to offer our residents and visitors free parking across the borough at certain times in selected council-run car parks.”