A long-time driver believes restrictive parking rules are deterring visitors from a seaside town.
Tracey Thorley, 51, of Hythe, believes large areas of Controlled Parking Zones (CPZ) in nearby Folkestone are damaging the town’s economy.
The issue came to her attention when she received her first parking ticket in 33 years of driving, after reportedly having no choice but to park in a time-limited bay.
Miss Thorley told KentOnline: “The parking situation discourages visitors – there is not enough.
“There’s nowhere to park without having to pay and display, buy a permit, or purchase an annual car parking ticket.
“The only way of getting to Folkestone now is by bus and not everybody has a bus pass.
“We’ve lost a number of very good shops, especially Debenhams.
“There’s nothing on the seafront and there’s just nothing to do in Folkestone anymore – apart from if you want to get tattoos and have your nails done.”
The ticket was issued on Sunday, July 27, when Miss Thorley and another motorist parked outside Holy Trinity Church for a benefice service and lunch for a retiring priest.
With congregations from three churches attending, the car park was full, forcing the pair to leave their vehicles in bays on Sandgate Road, which has a one-hour limit for non-permit holders.
The penalty notice recorded her stay as just under one hour and 20 minutes.
The 51-year-old paid the reduced fine of £25 online the same day.
Miss Thorley said: “I was very cross and upset.
“I’ve been driving since I was 18 and I’ve never received a speeding or parking ticket.
“I had to park in a bay on the road. And even though I knew the sign said permit only, I didn’t expect it to apply to a Sunday.”
The sign states the restriction lasts 12 hours but does not specify days. The Folkestone and Hythe District Council (FHDC) website confirms it applies seven days a week.
Miss Thorley was fined in the council’s CPZ H, which covers part of Sandgate Road and nearby streets around Earls Avenue and Grimston Avenue.
Restrictions were introduced in March 2023 and extended last month to include several surrounding roads.
A spokesperson for FHDC said: “Folkestone is home to a significant number of parking spaces, both on-street and in public car parks.
“Demand for on-street parking is naturally high, hence the need for restrictions to balance the needs of those living in and around the town centre. Those regularly using council car parks should consider applying for a permit or season ticket.”
Parking restrictions have long been a contentious issue in the town.
In October 2022 there was an outcry over extending permit spaces west of Radnor Park, which would affect people using the Royal Victoria Hospital.
Plans to create a CPZ in and around Cheriton High Street were scrapped in May 2024 after 83% of affected residents said no to it in a survey.
However, some areas have supported restrictions. In Tudor Road, three-quarters of residents signed a petition asking for permits, which were introduced this May.
