Changes to parking charges in Dover District

Variations to parking charges throughout the Dover District will come into effect from Monday 8 February 2016 in District Council car parks and on-street areas.

The increased rates are required as maintenance costs continue to rise, the pay and display machines need replacing, lining needs renewing, some car parks need resurfacing and because of increased demands for enforcement across the area. The increases - 10p per hour for pay and display in most places - are said to still keep parking charges in Dover District amongst the lowest in East Kent.

The rates have been frozen since April 2012, and in September 2014 the charging time throughout the district was reduced by an hour from 9am - 6pm down to 9am - 5pm. This is the shortest charging time when compared with neighbouring authorities, many of whom also charge in all places on Sundays.

Across the district, the minimum charge is also being reduced to 40p (except where already less).

Cllr Nigel Collor, Portfolio Holder for Access & Licensing said: "We are also aware of advancing technology and will, over the next couple of years, be looking at alternative payment methods, in addition to the existing RINGO facility, and be monitoring the demand for electric car charging stations in the district. Such developments would require capital expenditure for necessary equipment and required groundworks."

Cllr Collor added: "We continue to keep charges in our town centres as low as possible to encourage visitors and shoppers and, unless anything unforeseen arises, we will be endeavouring to freeze these rates for the next four years."