There will be few increases in car park charges this year because of the economic impact of the pandemic.

But there will be some new costs including an increase in the minimum fee from 40p to 50p for inflation, says Dover District Council.

An officers' report to the cabinet, following a fees review, said: "The pandemic has clearly had a significant impact across all sectors of the community and especially the hospitality and retail sector.

"Businesses are facing significant challenges and we need to ensure that our parking policies and charging structure recognise these challenges.

"It should be no surprise given the current economic situation to note that this review has concluded that there is clearly no case whatsoever for a general increase in the hourly charge."

Outlets such as shops, pubs and restaurants have been struck hard by three lockdowns over the last year in the continuing struggle against the spread of coronavirus.

Councillors on Monday voted through the new measures, which include freezing the hourly charges in most car parks.

The changes will be phased in from April 1.

They include introducing Sunday charging at Deal's Stanhope, West Street and Union Road car parks and reducing the maximum length of stay at the town's Middle Street spaces from four to three hours.

Also councillors agreed to limit the length of stay for vehicles at Kearsney Abbey in Temple Ewell.

All this is to balance demand and availability of spaces.

They also voted to introduce of a charge at Deal's Tides Leisure Centre car park for stays of more than four hours and reintroduce fees at the Albany Place car park, Dover.

Payments at Gazen Salts and The Quay in Sandwich are to go up by 10p an hour.

There are also to be seasonal charges at Borrow Pit Car Park in Walmer.

In addition the cabinet agreed to extend the areas covered by pay and display controls in Victoria Road, Deal, and New Street, Sandwich.

Fees are also to come in the following limited waiting areas.

These are Ranelagh Road, Sondes Road, Stanley Road and Clanwilliam Road in Deal and Marine Road plus the east side of The Strand, Walmer.

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