Views sought over parking charge increases

The proposals include changes to parking permit costs, with low-emission vehicles paying a lesser charge

A consultation has opened on potential changes to on-street parking charges across Rother.

East Sussex County Council (ESCC) said its proposals to increase on-street pay and display charges were to manage parking demand and encourage use of more sustainable transport.

The proposals include changes to parking permit costs, with low-emission vehicles paying a lesser charge.

Councillor Claire Dowling 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.”

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, said ESCC.

The council added the cost of resident, visitor and business permits will also increase under the proposals, with discounts 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 ESCC taxpayers.

Any surplus contributes towards the supported bus network, Real Time Passenger Information signs, concessionary bus fares and local transport schemes costs, said the council.

Ms Dowling added: “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.”

The consultation closes on 29 November.