Thanet council Cabinet members have given the green light to the first stage of proposals to change free car parks and on-street parking areas to pay and display and bring in a batch of new resident’s permits.
At the meeting last night Cabinet member Cllr Suzanne Brimm told councillors that the scheme would bring in “much needed income to invest in parking schemes, maintain parking stock and pay for new technology.”
Phase one of the scheme is due to be implemented in June and phase 2 and 3 being implemented over the next 12 to 18 months, depending on the outcome of public consultation.
The proposals affect 5 car parks and on-street parking across the isle.
During the meeting ward councillors spoke against the plans and it was suggested Westgate should be withdrawn from the plans entirely.
Cllr Carol Partington said: “The parking strategy cannot simply be about restricting parking. High parking charges drive people out of town centres and harms local shops. Westgate does not have a car park central to the shops and on-street parking makes sure businesses are a success. Westgate needs to be removed.”
Her call was backed by Cllr Ash Ashbee who said a petition raised against the proposals had gathered 300 signatures in four days.
Ward councillors for Minster, Broadstairs, Reading Street and Margate all spoke against the proposals.
Questions were also raised about the income the scheme would bring, whether it would just push motorists into other areas and cause congestions and road-blocking and how Marine Drive in Broadstairs could be made pay and display when the road is unadopted, needs resurfacing and ownership is not clear.
Residents also attended the meeting, some with placards protesting against the plans.
Income is projected to be £90,000 for 2017/18 and a further £300,000 up to 2020.
Council leader Chris Wells said cuts in government funding had forced councils, including Thanet, to look at revenue raising. He also dismissed claims that the issue should be dealt with after the June General Election saying it was “business as usual.”
What next?
The council will now hold a 28 day consultation with ward councillors. Members of the public can voice their concerns through their councillors. The proposals will also go to the Joint Transportation Board meeting scheduled for June.
Where is affected?
| Location | Roads/Location Included | Maximum Day Rate | Hours of Operation | Hourly charge |
Phase 1
Barnes Car Park, Westbrook Car Park on Seafront
£1.50
7am – 10pm
30p
Hartsdown Sports Centre, Margate
Hartsdown Sport Centre Car Parks
£3.20
7am – 10pm
60p
High Street, Minster
Car Park in Minster High Street
£2.50
7am – 10pm
50p
Monkton Road, Minster
Car Park in Monkton Road
£2.50
7am – 10pm
50p
Winter Gardens, Margate
Parking at the rear of the Winter Gardens
£2.50
7am – 10pm
50p
Joss Bay, Broadstairs
Elmwood Avenue, Broadstairs. Seasonal only charges.
9am – 6pm
£2.00
Westbrook, Margate
Canterbury Road, Royal Crescent, Buenos Ayres, Station Road, Albert Road, Crescent Road, Garfield Road, Hatfeild Road, Seaview Terrace, Westbrook Road and Westbrook Cottages..
8am – 6pm
Residents Parking with some pay and display as per that years agreed fees and charges
Phase 2
Westgate Central, Westgate
St Mildreds Road, Station Road and Cuthbert Road, Westgate
8am – 6pm
Residents Parking with some pay and display as per that years agreed fees and charges
Birchington East
Station Approach, Eastfield Road and Paddock Road
8am – 6pm
Extension of the existing Residents Parking with some additional pay and display as per that years agreed fees and charges
Margate Old Town, Margate
The Parade, New Street, Fort Road, Broad Street, Lombard Street and New Cross Street, Margate
8am – 6pm
Residents Parking with some pay and display as per that years agreed fees and charges
Broadstairs Victoria
Victoria Parade, Queens Gardens and West Cliff Avenue, Broadstairs
8am – 6pm
Extension of the existing Residents Parking with some additional pay and display as per that years agreed fees and charges
Phase 3
Ramsgate Harbour, Ramsgate
Cliff Street, Rose Hill, Sion Hill, Prospect Terrace, Nelson Crescent and Paragon, Ramsgate
8am – 6pm
Residents Parking with some pay and display as per that years agreed fees and charges
Ramsgate Eastcliff, Ramsgate
Wellington Crescent, Ramsgate
8am – 6pm
Residents Parking with pay and display as per that years agreed fees and charges
Minnis Bay, Birchington
The Parade, Birchington. Seasonal only charges.
9am – 6pm
£2.00
Botany Bay, Broadstairs
Car Park and possible extension and upgraded of parking on Marine Drive. Seasonal only charges.
7am – 10pm
On Street and Off Street pay and display as per that years agreed fees and charges
Leopold Street multi-storey, Mill Lane multi-storey, Harold Road car park and Vere Road car park will remain free on Saturdays. The Mill Lane multi-storey car park in Margate has extended its opening hours to 11:30pm during the summer months (1st April to 31stSeptember).
More of a ripoff for the cash cow motorists to cough up! Visitors will now park in nearby streets restricting access of emergency vehicles. Well done the council!