Parking charges set to be frozen again

Published: Tuesday, 2nd October 2018

Sevenoaks District Council is again proposing to freeze all its parking charges in its town centre car parks for the fourth-year running

Most commuter car park charges are also frozen with the exception of the new Bradbourne car park serving Sevenoaks station, where a moderate increase is proposed to the daily and season ticket fees.

Bradbourne car park reopened in April 2017 after an eight million-pound investment. The car park provides mostly covered parking, comprehensive CCTV coverage, regular patrols, the coveted ‘Park Mark’ status, flexible payment options and a host of environmentally friendly features.

The proposed charges, the first in three years at this car park, will help to ensure Bradbourne car park remains commercially and competitively priced while remaining better value than the other commuter car parks close to Sevenoaks rail station.

The Council will continue to offer free parking in its Westerham car park for the first three hours and there will be no increases in any town centre car parks or on street in Sevenoaks, Swanley, Westerham, Edenbridge or Knockholt.

Despite increases in operational costs, such as non-domestic rates, insurance and general maintenance, the Council continues to reinvest in its car parks. Over the past few years, the Council has made improvements including the installation of new safety barriers, increasing capacity, resurfacing, renewing drainage and upgrading lighting.

Cllr Matthew Dickins, the Council’s Cabinet Member for parking says “I am proud that Sevenoaks District Council is once again setting itself apart from other local authorities by proposing to continue freezing parking charges in its town centres.”

“We’ve worked hard over the past few years, investing over £10m in our car parks, increasing capacity and improving the facilities to meet demand. At the same time, we’ve been freezing charges, simplifying tariffs and ensuring there is something for everyone.”

“This careful approach to the management of parking is reaping dividends, with the District boasting one of the most vibrant local economies in the country.”

The proposed changes are being considered by the Direct and Trading Advisory Committee on 9 October and will be finalised by Cabinet on 11 October. If approved, the new parking charges would take effect April 2019.