Parking charges are to be brought back later this month but NHS workers will get support to continue their vital work.

Dartford will be one of the last local authorities in Kent to bring an end to free use of its car parks when charges return from 8am on Monday, July 20.

It follows a noticeable rise in commuter parking and a need to ensure there are spaces for the growing number of shoppers returning to the town.

From July 20, motorists will need to buy a pay-and-display ticket, pay by phone or via an app before using council car parks.

Council leader Cllr Jeremy Kite said: “We took a decision early after lockdown to open up our car parks to help the large number of people working from home, caring for others or following health advice.

"We’ve been in no hurry to end that arrangement but it’s now clear that there has been big shift in the reasons why people are using car parks as more of us return to work.

"It’s important that shoppers heading into Dartford don’t find spaces taken by all-day parking. Bringing back the charges will help to prioritise shopper and visitor parking.

"We hope the extended period of free parking has been useful but commuter and long-stay parking will now need to return to appropriate parking places."

For the time being, special consideration will still be given to frontline NHS employees carrying out duties around the town, although this will be reviewed regularly if Covid-19 cases continue to fall.

If you are a frontline NHS employee and receive a Penalty Charge Notice, contact parking services at Dartford council on 01322 343434 or email parking.services@dartford.gov.uk.

Car park users who may be limiting their use of coins and notes during the outbreak are reminded the RingGo payment system operates across the borough. Car park users can use the RingGo app or call 01322 917527.

Read more: All the latest news from Dartford