How are the New Parking Restrictions Working Out in Tonbridge?

Monday, 9 September 2024 06:05

Julia Neal went along to find out.

Residents in Tonbridge will now have to pay for parking in council-run car parks until 8pm Mondays to Saturdays, and all day Sundays and Bank Holidays. The decision to implement the charges was made at a full council meeting back in April. Kay Sinclair, who runs the Tonbridge - You need to know Facebook page and has been protesting against the charges, tells me how she feels now the new charges have come into effect.

The new car Parking charges have been in place in Tonbridge for several weeks now, however, it remains to be said whether these new charges have had an effect on trade in Tonbridge on Sundays and Bank Holidays due to events that have been happening in the town, such as the Dragon Boat Race. I spoke to Teresa Hansford, who owns Gorgeous George in the town, and she's been telling me how the new charges are affecting her business.

The new charges have made Tonbridge residents rethink about parking in the town in the evenings and on Sundays and Bank Holidays. I’ve been speaking to Tonbridge residents at the River Walk Music Festival for their views.

The Green Party in Tonbridge has always supported Tonbridge businesses and events. Cllr Anna Cope, who represents the Angel and Cage Green ward, has been telling me that residents who don't want to pay the new charges on Sundays and Bank Holidays will now need to think about more sustainable ways of travelling into town.

Wets Ket Radio reporter Julia Neal visited Tonbridge to find out more.