On-street and permit parking charges are set to go up in Rother to encourage people to use more sustainable transport.
East Sussex County Council is consulting on the plans, which include low-emission vehicles paying a lesser charge.
If approved, this will be the first time prices have risen since the council took charge of on-street parking in the area in 2020.
Councillor Claire Dowling, the county council’s lead member for transport and environment, said: “Charging for parking helps us manage the demand and helps to reduce congestion, which has a positive impact on the local economy as well as air quality.
“When the county council took over responsibility for on-street parking in Rother in 2020, charges were set at a lower level which have not changed significantly since.
“This consultation will help us understand if proposed changes to on-street parking and permit charges could encourage people to use more sustainable forms of transport and more environmentally friendly vehicles.
“To help us decide the best way forward, it’s important that we hear from as many people as possible. All feedback will be carefully considered and taken into account when a final decision is made.”
Proposed increases to on-street charges vary depending on location and length of stay, but the rise in hourly rates across the district ranges from 25p to 85p.
The cost of resident, visitor and business permits will also increase under the proposals, with discount for disabled motorists and low emission vehicles.
Income from parking charges has to cover the cost of management, enforcement and administration to ensure that no financial burden is passed to council taxpayers.
Any surplus contributes towards the supported bus network, real time passenger information signs, concessionary bus fares and local transport schemes costs.
For full details of the proposed increases and to take part in the consultation, click here.
Members of the public unable to access the online consultation can request a paper copy by post by calling 01323 463643.
The consultation closes on Friday, November 29, 2024.
People like me who love out in the countryside don’t have a bus stop anywhere near their house so no choice but to drive. Bus fairs have gone up. Sustainable transport is a joke and an excuse. What about parents who have to get children to school and then into town to work? A bus is just not an option.
I am surprised you say that prices have not increased since 2020. To my knowledge they have increased every year in the Rother run car parks in Battle. A 4 hour stay at Mount Street car park in Battle costs a staggering £6.40. This must be a huge deterrent to visitors and affects trade in the town. How is it that all the council run car parks in Wealden which is a sensible way of supporting local trade?