Protest over plan to scrap free Sunday parking

A protest meeting has been held in Kent as a council is set to scrap free parking on Sundays.

Across Tonbridge and Malling the charging period at council-run car parks will extend from 18:00 BST to 20:00, and will now include Sundays and bank holidays.

Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council said the changes were agreed to help meet the rising costs of running its car parks.

Graham Simmonds, who organised the public meeting on Sunday, said he thought Tonbridge would "without a doubt" suffer financially due to people not visiting the town as frequently.

Mr Simmonds, who said there was "huge anger" in the town over the agreed changes, said that in two weeks a petition gained more than 3,000 signatures.

"People come into Tonbridge to enjoy the park, to enjoy the castle, to do a bit of shopping, and bring money into our local economy," he added.

The council said it had taken on board public feedback with councillors agreeing a "number of concessions".

"These include periods of free parking at car parks across the borough, dropping plans to extend the Upper Castle Field car park in Tonbridge and providing free parking for users of the Angel Leisure Centre during the new charging periods," a spokesperson added.

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

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