Changes to parking arrangements and charges agreed

A raft of changes to parking arrangements and charges across a Kent borough has been agreed.

Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council voted to introduce payment at car parks in Aylesford and Larkfield, bringing them in line with the rest of the borough.

Councillors also approved charges for some on-street parking in West Malling and more permit-only parking in Tonbridge.

A council spokesperson says it is "a balancing act" and that "nobody wants to charge for parking, but it is a necessity".

Across the borough the charging period will extend from 18:00 to 20:00, including Sundays and bank holidays.

Approval was also given to an increase in parking tariffs and permit fees, expected to be implemented this summer.

Parking on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Day and overnight will remain free.

Kim Tanner, the council's cabinet lead on finance, said: "The days of free parking have probably gone.

"It’s time we brought some sort of consistency across the borough."

She added: “If we don’t do that we’ll have to decide somewhere down the line which services to cut. That’s the reality.”

Follow BBC Kent on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected] or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.