Town centre car park charges could be frozen again – but commuters face small increase close to station

PARKING charges in Sevenoaks town centre car parks could be frozen for the fourth-year running if proposals by Sevenoaks District Council are accepted.

Most commuter car park charges are also frozen with the exception of the new Bradbourne car park near Sevenoaks station, where a moderate increase is proposed to the daily and season ticket fees.

Bradbourne car park reopened in April 2017 after an eight million-pound investment. The council says the car park provides mostly covered parking, comprehensive CCTV coverage, regular patrols, the coveted ‘Park Mark’ status, flexible payment options and a host of environmentally friendly features.

The proposed changes will be considered by the Direct and Trading Advisory Committee on Tuesday, 9 October and will be finalised by Cabinet on Thursday, 11 October. If approved, the new parking charges would take effect in April 2019.

Bradbourne car park close to Sevenoaks Station

The Council says the proposed charges, the first change in three years at this car park, will help to ensure Bradbourne car park remains commercially and competitively priced while remaining better value than the other commuter car parks close to Sevenoaks rail station.

The Council will continue to offer free parking in its Westerham car parks for the first three hours and there will be no increases in any town centre car parks or on-street in Sevenoaks, Swanley, Westerham or Knockholt.

Despite increases in operational costs, such as business rates, insurance and general maintenance, the Council says it plans to continue to reinvest in its car parks. Over the past few years, improvements have included the installation of new safety barriers, increased capacity, resurfacing, renewing drainage and upgraded lighting.

Cllr Matthew Dickins, the Council’s Cabinet Member for parking, said: “I am proud that Sevenoaks District Council is once again setting itself apart from other local authorities by proposing to continue freezing parking charges in its town centres.

“We’ve worked hard over the past few years, investing over £10m in our car parks, increasing capacity and improving the facilities to meet demand. At the same time, we’ve been freezing charges, simplifying tariffs and ensuring there is something for everyone.

“This careful approach to the management of parking is reaping dividends, with the District boasting one of the most vibrant local economies in the country.”