Parking Charges to be introduced at Folkestone West

11.07.00am BST (GMT +0100) Tue 27th May 2008

Tom McNeice: Serious implications for local residents

Southeastern have announced that parking charges are to be introduced at Folkestone West train station. The charging plan, which comes into effect as of 29th June, had not been notified in advance to local residents or Councillors who were shocked at the move and predicted increased parking problems locally.

The parking charge will be £2 per day Monday to Friday (or £1.70 after 2pm) - an annual parking ticket will cost £359. Folkestone Central station will also see parking charges rise 30p to £2.80 per day.

Lib Dem Councillor for Morehall (which includes Folkestone West station) Tom McNeice, was horrified to hear about the plan. He said:

"This will have serious implications for on street parking in the area as for the moment it will be free. Rail users will end up parking on street for nothing rather than pay for station parking to the detriment of local people."