Shepway's Parking Scandal - why does it cost so much to park in Folkestone?

2.20.33pm GMT Sun 5th Feb 2006

A comparison of the cost of parking in local towns by local Liberal Democrats has revealed that Shepway residents are being charged more than in surrounding towns. Comparable parking charges in Dover, Deal, Ashford, Canterbury and Maidstone are all cheaper - with some under half the price.

The Conservative and 'People First' run council have just announced the removal of 3o minute parking rates and that a number of previously free car parks will now have charges introduced. There have already been public meetings in protest in Sandgate where the two currently free surface car parks will have charges introduced.

The comparable rates for parking in local towns are:

• Folkestone, Upper Payers Car Park - 80p per hour (all day, every day)

• Dover, Russell St Car Park - 60p per hour (free after 5.30pm and all day Sunday)

• Deal, Union Rd Car Park - 40p per hour (free after 5.30pm and all day Sunday)

• Canterbury, St Radigunds Car Park - 70p per hour (£1 all night after 7pm)

• Canterbury, New Dover Road Park & Ride - £2 a day

• Ashford, McArthur Glen Outlet - 50p per 2 hours

• Maidstone, Chequers Centre - 50p per 1 hour