East Sussex County Council is planning on holding a public consultation on changes to the cost of pay and display fees and parking permits in the county. The council aims to standardise prices across East Sussex – which would see Hastings prices increasing. On-street parking fees would ‘almost double’ – with increases ranging from 20p to £1.90 an hour – and residents’ parking permits would also go up. There would be a discount for low emission vehicles. Rupert Clubb, director for transport and environment, said: “Although many motorists would see an increase in parking charges under the proposals, the cost of on-street parking in East Sussex has not increased significantly in Lewes since 2007 and in Eastbourne and Hastings since 2008. “The proposed changes to residents’ permits would result in a fairer charging system in which permits cost the same regardless of where in the county you live, while pay and display tariffs would increase by between 20p and £1.90. READ MORE: • Water quality ratings at beaches in Hastings and Rother revealed • Police name cyclist who died in Combe Valley Way collision • ”He would have drowned” – Hastings family’s upset as dad is left waiting for ambulance on a beach as tide comes in “As well as covering the cost of running the scheme, the increase will help us manage the growing demand for parking, promote more sustainable forms of transport and improve the air quality in our busy town centres.” Charges for first permits in Hastings would remain the same or reduce for residents with a vehicle in car tax bands A to F, while the majority of motorists in Eastbourne would pay more for annual permits. The cost of a first permit would be between £15 and £95 per year. Charges for permits in Lewes, where discount is already given to low emission vehicles, would remain the same, while the cost of resident permits in Falmer would increase. Cllr Nick Bennett, East Sussex County Council’s deputy leader, will be asked to approve a public consultation on changes to the cost of parking permits and pay and display fees at a meeting on June 17. The increased charges would be used to cover the cost of the scheme with any surplus used as a further contribution to the county council’s public transport costs, according to a county council spokesman. This would complement the council’s Local Transport Plan by investing in sustainable transport which helps to reduce congestion and improve air quality in the county. A full report and details of the lead member meeting on June 17 can be found at https://democracy.eastsussex.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=177&MId=3808&Ver=4.
