The cost of parking at one of Kent’s most iconic landmarks has been hiked - but locals say they shouldn’t have to pay anything at all.

The National Trust is putting up daily fees to leave your car at its site on the White Cliffs of Dover from £5 to £6 from July 1.

The charity says its running costs have risen and the parking charges help fund its care of local wildlife.

But Dovorians argue people from the town should be able to park for free - or at least at a discounted rate.

One resident in the high street told KentOnline the 20% increase was “ludicrous, especially for people who live in Dover”.

“That’s our heritage,” said Mark, who declined to give his surname.

“We live here, and we should be parking for free - or at least there should be a discount, without a shadow of a doubt.”

There has also been an angry response on social media.

Writing on the Dover for Dovorians Facebook page, Del Middleton said: “Then they can shove the cliffs. Why charge? It takes no maintenance, only the café.”

Andy Lawrence said: “And that's why everyone boycotts Dover. I don't blame people for not going there - better off going to Folkestone, Thanet or Deal.”

Shelley Stockbridge wrote: “So locals who keep the town running are now being charged to enjoy the nice parts of the town? You couldn't make it up, honestly.”

But others accepted the rise.

Christopher Hayman described the new price as “very reasonable”, adding: “Go for a walk and take a picnic for £6 all day. You can’t complain.”

KentOnline met walkers on the cliffs at Langdon, all of whom were tourists from abroad or other parts of Britain.

Hannah Watkins said: “I’m against it. I think £5 is sufficient and a lot of tourists already use facilities like the café, which brings in a lot of revenue.

“It would be a shame to discourage some people from coming here.”

Naman Vichhivora, from Rotherhithe in south London, said: “I hope the charges would be lower because it doesn’t really make sense to hike them up if it’s not needed.

“But if it’s being used for something good like maintaining the cliffs then it’s fine.”

Chris Haughton is originally from Eythorne but now lives in Lancashire and was revisiting this area on holiday.

As a member of the National Trust he gets free parking but thinks the rise is acceptable.

He said: “It costs an absolute fortune to maintain facilities like this and they are really good.

“I’m also pretty certain the National Trust wouldn’t put charges up if it wasn’t essential to do so.”

The charity, which is also putting up fees for motor homes from £7 to £9, stresses the “small increase” is the first in five years.

Virginia Portman, general manager at the White Cliffs of Dover, said: “This is not a decision we’ve taken lightly – it will be the first time we’ve raised fees since 2019. However, we realise it will be difficult for some of our visitors and are very grateful for their understanding.

“In common with most other organisations, our costs have risen steeply over the past few years. As a conservation charity we rely on vital parking income for our work to help nature thrive here at the cliffs, and to improve visitor facilities.

“Parking fees are vital for our grazing programme, caring for the ponies and cattle who create beautiful meadows and better habitats for insects, butterflies and birds like the skylark.

“Funds raised have also enabled us to improve accessible pathways, to enable more people to enjoy the clifftop views.”

Ms Portman said that at the nearby South Foreland Lighthouse, the National Trust has just finished its most significant interior conservation project ever. This is to remove damp-ridden concrete plaster and conserve the Victorian building.

She added: “We’re so grateful for all the funds raised from parking fees. Our car and motorhome daily rates will still be significantly lower than those in Dover.

“National Trust members will continue to park for free, as will motorcycles and vehicles displaying a valid blue badge.”

Dover District Council charges usually £1.80 an hour for its car parks.

Relyon Ferry Parking deals with spaces on the outskirts of the Port of Dover. According to its website, its costs are £8.25 per day.