Tenterden residents concerned over proposed overnight parking charges
A potential £2 overnight parking charge could be introduced to the areas three main car parks
In Tenterden, concerns are rising over Ashford Borough Council's proposal to introduce a £2 overnight parking charge in the town's three main car parks.
Sue Ferguson, a Tenterden local and creator of the My Tenterden website, has voiced strong opposition to the proposed charges, emphasising their potential impact on safety and local businesses.
Ferguson highlighted that Tenterden's rural setting lacks extensive public transportation options, making driving essential for residents: "The introduction of the two pounds overnight charge is a step too far.
"We are a rural town and we don't have extensive links. We don't have railways, mainline railway. We don't have evening buses extensively. We have a few. We certainly don't have buses from the villages into Tensden at night.
"We're a rural town. We don't have, I mean, it's very commendable to want Asha Borough Council for them to want people to use walking paths and cycles and proper travel, such as buses and trains. We don't have the benefit of those."
The proposed overnight charge could lead to increased parking in residential side streets, creating issues for residents while compromising pedestrian safety, particularly for women walking alone at night.
Ferguson argued that without a consultation with Tenterden residents, the decision threatens the town's hospitality sector and overall foot traffic:
"Most of the villages, in fact, probably all of the villages, Rolvington, Whittersham, Woodchurch, there aren't any evening buses. And those people have no alternative but to drive.
"The A28 and the roads around here are really quite busy. And to actually get your bicycle out at night and try and adhere to the active travel requirements of Ashford Borough Council, it's quite terrifying.
"Would I use a bicycle in the pitch black? in the evening? No, I wouldn't. I wouldn't fancy my chances."
Ashford Borough Council is set to revisit parking charges during a cabinet meeting on 8th October 2026. The proposed changes have not yet become official.