Free Bexhill car parks could soon start charging
On Monday (September 7), Rother District Council’s cabinet is to consider proposals to introduce parking charges at eight off-street car parks – mostly in Bexhill – which are currently free to use.
The proposals come in light of East Sussex County Council introducing on-street parking charges around Rother later this month, council papers say.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdIn a report to be considered by cabinet members, a council officer said: “The introduction of Civil Parking Enforcement (CPE) is likely to increase the use off-street car parks under the council’s ownership.
“Residents, local businesses and visitors expect that there is a parity of parking charges between equivalent areas; therefore, it is important that the cost of off-street parking is standardised between equivalent areas of the district.
“Any increase in the use of council car parks will have associated maintenance and administration costs. The Covid-19 pandemic has compounded what was already a challenging time for the council’s finances; therefore, any increase in the council’s costs needs to be met by an increase in relevant charges.
“Furthermore, those car parks that are presently free to use do not contribute to the council’s maintenance and operational costs.”
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdSeven of the eight car parks to introduce charges are in Bexhill. They include the car parks at Egerton Park and Manor Gardens and the two car parks at the top and bottom of Galley Hill.
Charges will also be introduced at the spaces at the Polegrove and Richmond Road and those in front of the war memorial.
Charges will also be introduced for parking outside of the town hall, but this would only be at weekend and Bank holidays.
The final free car park to introduce charges will be at the Cricket Salts in Rye.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdThe proposals will also see changes to the charges currently in place at the Eversley Road and Wainswright Road car parks to bring them into line with the new charges elsewhere.
All the car parks will charge £1 per hour.
The introduction of equipment and signage is expected to cost around £47,500.
A message from the Editor, Gary Shipton:
In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news, I am asking you to please purchase a copy of our newspapers.
With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers - and consequently the advertising that we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news and information by buying a copy of our newspapers.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdOur journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the most rigorous standards in the world. But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. So we need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers during this crisis.
Stay safe, and best wishes.