Parking charges reintroduced on 23 June but Sevenoaks Town Car Park remains free

As lockdown restrictions start to ease, high street stores and businesses in town centres hope that customers will start to return. Car parking charges across the Sevenoaks District were suspended during the lockdown but shoppers are being warned that charges will be reintroduced from Tuesday 23 June 2020.

However, to aid the local economy, parking will remain free for the time being at the Sevenoaks Town Car Park off Suffolk Way. The multi level car park, which opened last year and replaced the former Buckhurst 2 car park, provides more than 400 spaces for businesses, shoppers and visitors and is only a short walk from the High Street. Free parking is also available in the District Council office car park in Gordon Road, Sevenoaks at weekends.

In recent weeks, car parks have become busy, with many reaching capacity.  The re-introduction of charges after their relaxation three months ago is intended to better manage parking, ensuring there is a good turnover of spaces for shoppers and other visitors.

Parking conditions, including the maximum stay, will also be monitored from 23 June.

Cllr Margot McArthur, the Council’s Cabinet Member for Cleaner and Greener, said: “We were one of the first in the country to react to the Coronavirus outbreak by immediately suspending parking charges to support local businesses and residents during what have been extraordinary and challenging times. As the country recovers, we are finding it necessary to bring back charges in most of our car parks to ensure there’s a good turnover of spaces for shoppers.

“To continue to support businesses and workers, parking will remain free in Sevenoaks Town Car Park, our largest car park in Sevenoaks.”