Parking charges are to be introduced at Kent’s newest railway station in January.

Commuters using Thanet Parkway, between Minster and Ramsgate, have enjoyed free stays since the station opened on July 31, offering 70-minute high-speed services to London.

But it was only a temporary incentive to attract new users to the location, with Kent County Council, which operates the car park, saying charges will come into force on January 15.

A daily rate of £5.10p will apply from Monday to Friday through the Ringo parking app or cashless payments – a fee said to be in line with other east Kent stations.

Users will pay £3.90 on Saturdays and £3.50 on Sundays and Bank Holidays. There will also be a free 40-minute period for picking up and dropping off.

Southeastern Trains spokesman Paul Prentice says there has been a steady increase in the use of the station by commuters since it opened.

The development cost £34 million – twice its original estimate – causing some critics to question the need for an additional station between Ramsgate and Minster and suggesting the money could have been better spent on improving existing sites.

But the new station was backed by KCC, which believes it will boost employment opportunities.

A spokesman said: "The long commute to London and poor connections to the rest of Kent has meant the east of the county has not always been the first choice for new business investment.

"The project will provide access to more employment opportunities for local residents.

"It will also improve investment opportunities at Discovery Park Enterprise Zone and surrounding business parks in Thanet."