Residents caught on hop by new parking scheme

Newtown residents were left confused this week after the sudden announcement of a new parking scheme in the area.

People living on Maunsell Place and Wainwright Place were said to be completely unaware of the scheme as signs were placed and residents received letters and parking permits from UK Car Park Management Ltd (CPM) informing them that from Monday, September 25, all vehicles will need a parking permit.

The letter states “any vehicle not displaying a valid permit or parking in a non-designated parking area may receive a Parking Charge Notice”.

James Hazeldon, who lives in Maunsell Place, said: “I’ve lived here years and have never had a problem. I use off-road parking, although there are unmarked council-owned parking bays at the end of the road which can sometimes be an issue, but the first I heard about these permits is when the sign went up last Saturday.”

He continued: “It’s been done without people knowing about it. Residents weren’t aware of Parking permits have been put in place in areas around Newtown it, nobody knows where the designated parking is and now we could get charged for parking outside our own house!”

Many residents expressed their concern that households were only given one permit, though many have multiple cars, and fears there could be fines for offroad parking.

However, it has been confirmed by Ashford Borough Council (ABC) that the permits are only enforced in the council-owned bays along Maunsell Place and Wainwright Place; “If no bays are available residents can use the off-road parking without fear of enforcement”.

Cllr Alex Howard (Con. Aylesford Green) said: “Parking is an issue as there is a lack of spaces due to people parking there and going to work, the outlet centre or station, meaning residents aren’t able to get a space

“It gives one permit to every household, and a second one for visitors or another car, to make sure only residents are parking in the bays – it is entirely about helping residents.”

The permits are currently on a trial basis but anyone with any further questions should contact CPM on 0845 463 5050.

What do you think? Write to Kentish Express, Unit 4, Park Mall Shopping Centre Ashford, TN24 8RY or email kentishexpress@ thekmgroup.co.uk An Ashford Borough Council spokesman said: “ABC’s housing department have instructed an external company, CPM, to manage the misuse of local authority housing-owned car parks across the borough.

“CPM has been instructed on a trial basis to help protect the parking spaces allocated for our residents who have a right to use the ABC housing car parks that service their homes.

“We hope the scheme will deter visitors from misuse of the spaces designated to our residents. Clear signs have been positioned by CPM in the areas they will commence enforcement in on Monday, September 25.

“CPM has issued letters to many of our residents regarding the free parking permits they should display in their vehicles; the permit is free and they are entitled to a free guest permit in addition.

“This scheme sits aside from Ashford Borough Council’s civil enforcement team who are responsible for enforcement in council-owned public car parks as well as the enforcement of on-street parking restrictions.”