Plans to introduce parking charges at a popular free car park in East Sussex have sparked concerns among local residents, who fear the move will push drivers onto nearby streets and worsen parking problems.
The Little Common Recreation Ground car park, located on Green Lane in Bexhill, is one of several free car parks in the district that may soon impose charges ranging from 25p to 85p per hour.
The proposed changes are part of a broader initiative by Rother District Council to address a growing financial shortfall, with the council saying it faces “difficult choices” in balancing the budget.
The consultation period for the parking charge proposal ends on Friday, and a final decision is expected to be made in February next year.
Local residents, including dog walker Roger Firman, have voiced strong opposition to the plans. Speaking to BBC Radio Sussex, Firman said: “They just closed the public toilets there too. If they bring in the parking charges, a lot of people will just start parking on the street.”
Firman highlighted the strain on parking during weekends when sports events take place, particularly for parents attending youth football matches or cricket games.
“You have the problem with the sports events, on a Saturday morning you have the kids playing sports. The car park will be absolutely full. Do you ask all the parents to pay to bring their kids?
Another local resident also expressed frustration over the lack of amenities at the site. ” There’s no facilities here now, they closed the public toilets over a year ago. If there were more facilities, maybe I wouldn’t object to paying a small amount to park. It’s completely wrong.”
The council’s proposed hourly rates vary, with fees ranging from 25p to 85p, depending on the location and duration of parking.
A spokesperson for Rother District Council explained that the need for increased revenue was driven by rising costs, growing demand, and reduced funding from central government.
Rother District Council, like councils across the country, is facing significant pressures as costs and demand increases and funding from central government reduces.
“To raise more income to help fill our funding gap, we are currently consulting on proposals to add charges to our car parks where there is currently not a charge.
The council encouraged residents to have their say on the proposal by completing the consultation survey before any decisions are made.
