Camber Sands: Rother District Council scraps £30 parking fee

Sally-Ann Hart, MP said she was "committed" to supporting the community in Camber Sands

A flat rate parking fee trial will not be reintroduced at a popular East Sussex beach.

Over summer, Rother District Council introduced a £30 flat rate parking fee trial at two popular car parks in Camber Sands, which it said was an effort to reduce "severe congestion".

Traders raised concerns over the fee increase and after a review the council decided not to reinstate it.

Sally-Ann Hart, MP for Hastings and Rye, said she was "delighted".

The nine week parking fee trial ran from July to September and was introduced at Camber Central and Old Lydd Road car parks.

During this period fees changed from fixed per hour tariffs to a £30 flat fee, though blue badge holders were still able to park for free during the trial.

'Positive step forward'

A spokesperson for Rother District Council said that the trial was an effort to reduce "severe congestion in the village [that created] a challenge for residents, public transport and emergency response vehicles."

Traders in the area raised concerns about how the increased charge would impact their business.

One businesswoman told the BBC she had "never seen a season this bad".

In response, Ms Hart launched a petition against the price hike.

Now, following a review of the trial and subsequent feedback, it has been scrapped for 2024.

Ms Hart called the decision a "positive step forward".

The council said it would continue to work with its partners to identify ways to reduce congestion around Camber during the summer months, and address the issues faced by residents.

Follow BBC South East on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to [e-mail].