New parking charges on a coastal road in Hythe have not caused 'significant issues' for residents trying to park outside their homes, according to a council review.

Visitors to Princes Parade first began paying to park their car in May, forking out up to £7 a day during peak season, where it was previously free of charge.

But the controversial decision raised concerns when the scheme was approved that nearby roads would become congested where people could park for free.

Cllr Ann Berry, cabinet member for transport and commercial at Folkestone and Hythe District Council (FHDC), said the initial findings show the charges had 'not substantially displaced parking' - but will be addressed a second time: "We assured residents from the outset that we would keep a close eye on the situation of parking in surrounding roads and we will continue to do so.

"Although the evidence from the first three months of parking charges does not suggest a significant issue, we will carry out another review next summer and we will continue listening to residents in the meantime."

FHDC officers carried out occupancy surveys on selected dates between August 13 and September 16.

In Sandgate, the roads assessed were Sandgate Esplanade, Encombe, Wellington Place, Sunnyside Road, Prospect Road and West Lawn Gardens and Castle Bay.

In Hythe, Battery Point, Lower Corniche, Seabrook Road, Marine Parade, Twiss Road, South Road, Fisher Close, Cobay Close, Sturdy Close, Twiss Avenue and West Parade were all assessed, as well as Hythe swimming pool car park.

The report said: "Vehicles observed in the mornings were assumed to belong to local people, and have been excluded from the average occupancy figures."

At this stage, the review considered no need for parking permits: "It should be noted that there must be a genuine need for a parking scheme for one to be introduced. Where occupancy levels exceed 70%, and it is deemed that over 60% of spaces are occupied consistently by non-residents, consideration should be given to a possible parking scheme for that area.

"Although a few of the roads had occupancy levels above 70%, the vast majority of the roads had low occupancy figures.

"Local residents will still be able to find parking spaces in all of the roads, and in any of the days the surveys were carried out."

It also noted the unlikeliness of sprawling parking from October to April when the charges are void, and how the junctions of Encombe and Prospect Road were busier than others.

The findings of next year's review - expected to provide a clear picture of any actual parking issues - will be reported to the cabinet member for transport in the autumn.